Body Language Dictionary

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Body Language Dictionary and meaning. Remember we must always read body language in clusters of information and there are no absolutes when we analyze even the experts get it wrong from time to time.

NameBody RegionGesture Type
Arm CrossArmsClosed
Arms on HipsArmsClosed
BarrierArmsClosed
Arms Behind BackArmsOpen
BatonArmsAggression
Elbow ClosureArmsClosed
Elbow OutArmsOpen
FreezeArmsUnsure
Guiding ArmsOpen
Arms in AirArmsOpen
Knee HuggingArmsUnsure
ProtectingArmsClosed
Single Arm WrapArmsClosed
Gestural AbsenceBodyClosed
Eyebrow NarrowingEyesUnsure
Eye Blink RateEyesStress
Eyebrow FlashEyesOpen
Ocular Orbital TensionEyesUnsure
Pupil ConstrictionEyesClosed
Pupil DilationEyesOpen
Eye SquintEyesStress
AngerFaceAggression
Confirmation GlanceFaceUnsure
ContemptFaceOpen
DisgustFaceOpen
FlushingFaceOpen
FearFaceOpen
Jaw ClenchingFaceAggression
Lip CompressionFaceConcealing
Lip RetractionFaceUnsure
Foreign Object InsertionFaceUnsure
SadnessFaceOpen
Surprise FaceUnsure
Teeth SuckingFaceAggression
Nostril Wing Dilation FaceAggression
YawnFaceOpen
Toes UpFeetOpen
Foot Withdrawal FeetUnsure
Toes Pointed InwardFeetClosed
Behind HeadHandsOpen
Hands on the Back of the NeckHandsUnsure
Chin StrokeHandsOpen
Digital ExtentionHandsOpen
Digital Flexation HandsClosed
Eyelid RubbingHandsUnsure
FidgetingHandsUnsure
Finger to NoseHandsUnsure
Facial TouchingHandsUnsure
GroomingHandsUnsure
Genital Protecting HandsClosed
Two Handed GraspingHandsClosed
HushingHandsControl
Knee ClaspHandsUnsure
Locked FingersHandsRelaxed
Lint Picking HandsUnsure
Palms DownHandsClosed
Palm Exposure HandsOpen
Hands in PocketsHandsClosed
SteeplingHandsOpen
Chest TouchingHandsUnsure
Clasping the ThighsHandsOpen
TappingHandsOpen
Throat ClaspingHandsUnsure
Wrist to ForeheadHandsUnsure
Wrist TouchingHandsClosed
Chin ThrustHeadAggression
HappinessHeadOpen
Head BackHeadOpen
Head DowncastHeadOpen
Head SupportHeadUnsure
Head TiltHeadOpen
NoHeadOpen
TurtlingHeadUnsure
Vertical HeadshakeHeadOpen
Figure Four Leg CrossLegsOpen
Barrier CrossLegsClosed
Binding LegsLegsClosed
Leg CrossingLegsOpen
Double Leg CrossLegsClosed
Groin ExposureLegsOpen
Locked Ankles LegsClosed
Adam’s Apple RaiseNeckStress
Shoulder ShruggingNeckOpen
Swallowing NeckClosed
VentilationNeckUnsure
Belonging CarelessnessObjectOpen
Personal Belonging Security CheckObjectUnsure
Chair ArmsObjectStress
Clothing Covering ObjectClosed
Feet Around Chair LegsObjectUnsure
Fist on TableObjectAggression
Groin ShieldObjectClosed
Jacket ButtoningObjectClosed
Jewelry PlayObjectUnsure
Object Barrier ObjectClosed
Object ConcealmentObjectClosed
Object InteractionObjectOpen
Interaction With Other’s PropertyObjectOpen
Shoe RemovalObjectOpen
Watch CheckingObjectOpen
Pelvic FacingPelvicOpen
Pelvic TiltPelvicOpen
Constantly Raised ShouldersShoulderUnsure
Self HugShoulderClosed
Single Shoulder ShrugShoulderUnsure
Breathing RateTorsoOpen
Torso FacingTorsoOpen
PostureTorsoOpen
Postural TiltTorsoOpen
AmbiguityVerbal 
Direct ChronologyVerbal 
ExclusionsVerbal 
Vocal Hesitancy Verbal 
Mini Confessions Verbal 
Non Answer StatementVerbal 
Non Contracting Statements Verbal 
Over ApologizingVerbal 
PolitenessVerbal 
Pronoun AbsenceVerbal 
Psychological DistancingVerbal 
Question Reversal Verbal 
Resume StatementsVerbal 
Rising Vocal PitchVerbal 
Increase in Vocal SpeedVerbal 
Phil Taylor
Phil Taylor Body Language Expert