The Fascinating History Behind the Term "Lemon Face" and Why We Make It

The Story Behind the Lemony Expression

Have you ever scrunched up your face after biting into a lemon, tasting the intensely sour juice? That puckered look is often referred to as a "lemon face," and it's a common reaction to the fruit's extreme tartness. But why is this facial expression called a lemon face, and where did the phrase originate?

The connection between lemons and sour facial expressions dates back centuries. Lemons contain high amounts of citric acid, giving them their powerfully tart taste. When you bite into a lemon slice or sip on lemon juice, your taste buds are hit with an acidic blast, signaling your brain to brace against the sourness. This triggers an involuntary physical reaction - eyes squeezing shut, lips puckering, and cheeks drawing inward.

This instantly recognizable facial response to intense sourness became known as "making a lemon face." The first known printed references to the phrase appeared in the 19th century. An 1864 edition of The Republican newspaper described a child's reaction to an unpleasant medicine as "making a lemon face." And an 1871 issue of Every Saturday magazine mentioned "the lemon face he would certainly have made on receiving such a message."

The lemon face concept truly embedded itself into pop culture in the early 20th century. American satirical magazines like Puck and Judge frequently featured cartoons of people making exaggerated sour expressions, often linking them to lemons. Lemony foods and drinks like lemonade were also sometimes advertised with drawings of happy children making lemon faces.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.