#NerdsUnite: What Are the Body Language Signs of Disgust?

Talk Nerdy To Me’s @StaffWriter:

There are some things in this world that almost all of us universally hate. There’s the sound of fingernails on a chalkboard or the sight and smell of a skunk. But what about disgust? What are the body language signs of disgust? Disgust is not only universal among humans, but it's also been observed in other animals.

Wrinkling Your Nose

One of the most common body language signs of disgust is wrinkling your nose. When you do this, it's often accompanied by holding your breath or turning your head away. This is because disgust is often associated with things that have a bad smell. Wrinkling your nose helps to keep the offending odor out of your nostrils.

Curling Your Lips

Another common body language sign of disgust is curling your lips. This can be either a conscious or subconscious reaction to something that you find distasteful. It's often used in conjunction with wrinkling your nose to keep the bad smell away from your face.

Keeping Your Mouth Closed

Another body language sign of disgust is keeping your mouth closed. This is often done in response to seeing something that you find gross or repulsive. It's a way of saying "I don't want any part of this" and it helps to keep the bad taste out of your mouth.

Raising Your Eyebrows

Raising your eyebrows is another common body language sign of disgust. This is usually done in response to seeing something that you find unpleasant or shocking.

It can also be a way of showing your disapproval of something.

Shaking Your Head

Shaking your head is another common body language sign of disgust. You might shake your head in response to hearing something that you find offensive or repellent.

Pinching Your Nose

Pinching your nose shut is another way to keep bad smells away. This is often done when someone else is the source of the disgust, such as when someone has a bad body odor.

Gagging

Another telltale body language sign of disgust is gagging.

This is a reflexive action that happens when something touches the back of your throat. It's a way to protect yourself from ingesting something that might make you sick.

Clenching Your fists

Clenching your fists is another body language sign of disgust. This is often done in response to seeing something that makes you angry, such as someone harming an animal.

Stamping Your feet

Stamping your feet is another body language sign of disgust.

You might stamp your feet when you witness something that you find disgusting or offensive. It's a way of expressing your displeasure and it can also be used to scare away the offending person or creature.

Moving Away

When someone is disgusted, they might also move away from the source of the disgust. This is done to get away from the bad smell or taste.

Depending on the severity of their disgust, they may take a step backward, walk away, or even run.

Covering Your Mouth

Another common body language sign of disgust is covering your mouth. The reason you might cover your mouth is to keep the bad taste or smell from getting into your mouth. You might also cover your mouth in response to seeing something that grosses you out.

Turning Your Head Away

When you see something that disgusts you, you might also turn your head away. This is done to avoid looking at the offensive sight or smells.

In one way or another, all these signs indicate that you want to avoid, escape, or otherwise protect yourself from the disgusting person, place, or thing.

What To Do When You See the Body Language Signs of Disgust

Body language is a universal language that can tell us a lot about how someone is feeling. Disgust is one of the most basic emotions that we experience, and it has some very distinct body language signs.

If you see someone displaying these signs, it's a good bet that they're feeling disgusted.

Let's look at a few things you can do when someone is disgusted.

Identify the Source of Their Disgust

The first thing you can do is to try to identify the source of their disgust.

If you can't figure it out right away, ask them what's wrong. They might not want to talk about it, but it's worth a try.

Respect Their Feelings

Once you know what's causing their disgust, the next step is to respect their feelings.

Even if you don't agree with them or think that they're being unreasonable, it's important to remember that their feelings are valid.

Give Them Space

Another thing you can do is to give them space.

Disgust is often associated with things that have a bad smell or taste. So, if someone is feeling disgusted, they might want to get away from the offending object or person.

Let Them Go

Don't try to get them to stay in the exact location. Give them somewhere to go and let them escape whatever disgusted them. Trying to make them stay will only make things worse.

Try To Distract Them

If you can't get them to leave the area, the next best thing is to try to distract them.

This might mean changing the subject or talking about something that's positive and happy. Whatever you do, don't bring up anything that might exacerbate their disgust.

Debrief With Them Later

Once enough time has passed, you can debrief with them about what happened.

Ask them how they're feeling and see if there's anything you can do to help them deal with their disgust.

This is a good opportunity to talk about any steps you can take to avoid the situation in the future.

Proactively Prevent Future Disgust

When you learn the steps to take, actually take them. 

Proactively preventing disgust will go a long way in making sure that everyone stays happy and healthy.

Final Thoughts

Disgust is a natural emotion that we all experience from time to time.

And while it might not be pleasant, it's important to understand the body language signs of disgust so that you can respond appropriately. If you see someone displaying these signs, make sure to give them the space and respect they need.

And if you can, try to proactively prevent future instances of disgust.