The Filipino Eyebrow Flash
English Eyebrows
In England we have a look which is described as 'Quizzical'. One or two eyebrows are raised in wonderment, questioning or astonishment.
The answer to this eyebrow query is verbal and along the lines of "I was just......" or "Well it worked last time" or even "I knew you wouldn't believe me." You get the drift, an eyebrow raised is an unspoken question or expression of disbelief.
The quickly lifted and descent of the eyebrows in a flash can indicate that there is sexual attraction to another person. It is an unconscious gesture and easily missed.
Time it right and the flash can be an unspoken greeting to practically anyone over a distance. It can also be a statement assuming that the sender and reciever are both party to the same information. For example attending a lecture. An amazing fact is presented and you exchange a glance with a colleague which can imply something along the lines of "Amazing!" or "The man's a Wally".l
Philippine Eyebrows
In the Philippines it is different. Many of the body language signals are the same but the use of the 'Eyebrow Flash' is an art in itself. It is almost an unconscious gesture but packed full of meaning. I have been greeted by Filipino babes in arms with an eyebrow flash, leaving me to wonder at what age they pick it up.
At its simplest the quickly lifted eyebrows...'the eyebrow flash' is an unspoken greeting. It can also be a sign of agreement or recognition of a question. The meaning can only be interpreted when taken in context with other facial expressions.
The eyebrow flash can also be a flirtatious question or invitation or interaction especially if accompanied by a coy smile. "Can I sit and talk with you?" but no words spoken. You really have to experience this to understand it. I have met some wonderful people as a result of this very simple facial movement. It would never happen in England ;-)
