What is Mewing Slang? A Comprehensive Guide to the Facial Posture Trend

Mewing, a term that has rapidly gained popularity across the internet, isn’t about cats. It refers to a specific tongue posture technique purported to reshape the face and improve overall health. While the core concept is quite simple – maintaining proper tongue position in the mouth – it has spawned a vibrant online community and a plethora of related slang. This guide dives deep into the world of mewing, explaining not just the technique itself but also the jargon and nuances that have developed around it.

What Exactly is Mewing?

At its most basic, mewing is the practice of keeping your tongue resting against the roof of your mouth, rather than letting it slump at the bottom. This posture, proponents argue, is the natural resting position of the tongue and, by maintaining it consciously, can influence facial bone structure, improve breathing, and reduce the risk of certain health problems. The technique is named after Dr. John Mew, a British orthodontist who, along with his son Dr. Mike Mew, has championed this approach to facial development and correction.

It’s essential to understand that mewing is a long-term practice; changes, if any, are gradual and not always guaranteed. It is also important to note that despite many anecdotal claims, mewing has not been extensively researched by scientific professionals, and therefore, is regarded as controversial. The medical community is still debating its validity and efficacy, so consider all information with caution and consult a medical professional if needed before attempting any serious exercises.

The Core Principles of Mewing

Mewing, while simple in concept, requires a conscious effort to maintain the correct posture. Here’s a breakdown of the key principles:

* **Tongue Position:** The entire tongue, from the tip to the back, should be resting against the roof of the mouth. The tip should be just behind the front teeth, not pressing against them. The sides of the tongue should also be making contact with the palate. You should be able to breathe through your nose with this position. There should be no pressure on your teeth.

* **Closed Lips:** Your lips should be lightly closed. You shouldn’t be clenching your jaw or straining your facial muscles.

* **Nasal Breathing:** This is a crucial component of mewing. Always breathe through your nose, not your mouth. Nasal breathing filters and humidifies the air, promoting better respiratory health.

* **Upright Posture:** While mewing itself is focused on the mouth, maintaining good overall posture is essential to achieve its full benefits. Stand and sit with your back straight and your head held high.

The Benefits of Mewing (According to Proponents)

Those who advocate for mewing claim a wide range of benefits, some of which are more widely accepted than others. These often cited benefits include:

* **Improved Facial Aesthetics:** This is perhaps the most common motivation for people who take up mewing. It is believed that proper tongue posture encourages the maxilla (upper jawbone) to grow forward and upward, resulting in a more defined jawline, higher cheekbones, and an overall more balanced facial structure. This effect is based on the concept of bone remodeling, where consistent pressure can influence bone growth over time. However, significant changes in bone structure are likely to occur before the end of puberty and results for adults might be extremely limited.

* **Enhanced Breathing:** By encouraging nasal breathing and proper jaw alignment, mewing is suggested to improve airflow and reduce the likelihood of mouth breathing, snoring, and sleep apnea. Mouth breathing is often correlated with a variety of dental and respiratory health issues.

* **Reduced Risk of Dental Problems:** Proponents also suggest that the correct tongue posture can help reduce the risk of dental issues by providing optimal pressure on the palate. This can potentially contribute to a healthier bite and reduce the likelihood of teeth crowding or misalignment. But once again, studies are scarce, and this remains anecdotal evidence.

* **Reduced Jaw Pain and TMD:** Some users claim that consistent mewing can improve TMJ (Temporomandibular joint) issues and reduce chronic jaw pain, by maintaining a more natural jaw alignment. This idea is based on the logic that maintaining correct posture reduces the pressure on the joint.

* **Improved Overall Posture:** The link between tongue position and overall body posture is often overlooked. Advocates of mewing claim that maintaining proper tongue position can also contribute to improved posture, particularly in the neck and upper back. The idea is that a proper head posture automatically improves spinal alignment.

It’s crucial to reiterate that these claims are not universally accepted by the medical community. While many people have reported positive changes, scientific research is still needed to validate these claims fully. Any changes that do occur are very likely to be slight and slow to become apparent. This is a long-term practice, not a magic solution.

Mewing Slang and Terminology

The online mewing community has developed its own set of slang and terminology. Understanding this vocabulary is essential for navigating the community and getting the most out of the discussions. Here’s a comprehensive list:

* **Mewing:** This, as mentioned previously, is the core term referring to the practice of maintaining proper tongue posture. It can be used as both a noun and a verb.

* **Mew:** As mentioned, the name of the method is derived from the surname of the orthodontist, Dr. John Mew and Dr. Mike Mew, who were the primary figures behind the concept. Hence, “Mew” can refer to either of them or even the method itself.

* **Hard Mewing:** This refers to mewing with more forceful contact between the tongue and the roof of the mouth. It is commonly believed that this harder contact will provide faster results but there is no evidence to support this claim. In fact, pushing too hard may create problems, such as discomfort and tooth displacement.

* **Soft Mewing:** Soft mewing is the act of placing the tongue against the palate with very little to no force. Many beginners are often encouraged to try soft mewing, to avoid placing too much pressure in the mouth.

* **Tongue Chewing:** This involves actively applying more force with your tongue to the palate. There are claims that this can generate the desired pressure to mold bone. This method is extremely controversial, and may cause more issues than improvement, so it must be approached cautiously.

* **Bone Remodeling:** This refers to the process by which bone tissue is constantly renewed and reshaped. Mewing proponents believe that consistent pressure from the tongue can influence this process in the facial bones. Keep in mind, significant changes in bone structure are unlikely in adulthood.

* **Maxilla:** The upper jawbone. Mewing is thought to encourage the maxilla to grow forward and upward, which can result in a more aesthetic facial structure. This is another term that is usually discussed in mewing communities.

* **Mandible:** The lower jawbone. It is claimed that mewing also indirectly affects the mandible, contributing to a stronger and more prominent jawline.

* **Palate:** The roof of the mouth. The tongue should be resting against the palate when mewing.

* **Forward Growth:** A desired result of mewing, referring to the maxilla growing forward, leading to improved facial proportions and better airway support.

* **Upward Growth:** Another goal of mewing, referring to the maxilla growing upward, which creates more prominent cheekbones.

* **Recessed Jaw:** A condition where the mandible is positioned further back than ideal, often associated with a weaker jawline. Mewing is considered by some as a non-surgical method to treat a recessed jaw.

* **Overbite/Underbite:** Dental conditions where the upper or lower teeth protrude excessively. It is also claimed that mewing can assist in correcting certain overbites and underbites, but this is not a guaranteed method to remedy such malocclusion issues.

* **Chin Tuck:** A posture correction exercise where the chin is drawn slightly backward. This is often used in conjunction with mewing.

* **Chinstrap:** When there is soft tissue under the chin. People engaging in mewing often use the method to reduce the appearance of a chinstrap. This is not guaranteed and results may vary.

* **Facial Symmetry:** A balance in the proportions of the face. People might engage in mewing to promote facial symmetry.

* **Ascending Ramus:** The vertical part of the mandible. Mewing proponents claim that proper positioning of the tongue promotes the correct development of the ascending ramus, affecting the aesthetic of the jawline.

* **Mike Mew:** Son of Dr. John Mew, he is also a key figure in the mewing movement and a popular personality in many online discussions about the subject.

* **Orthotropics:** The philosophy of facial growth and development championed by the Mews. The concept suggests the jaw and facial features can develop optimally through proper tongue posture and other practices.

* **Looksmaxing:** This is a general term referring to practices to improve physical appearance. Mewing is considered a form of looksmaxing.

* **Selfie Angle:** People who are mewing often take photographs of themselves at a particular angle to monitor changes in facial features.

* **Before and After:** Users of mewing often post images of themselves before and after they have engaged in the practice to show the changes that have occurred.

* **Jawline:** The line or edge along the lower jaw. A prominent and defined jawline is often a goal for people engaging in mewing.

* **Cheekbones:** The bone below the eyes and above the jawline. Some people may try mewing to have more prominent cheekbones.

* **Skull Base:** The bottom of the skull. It is thought by some that proper head position influences the alignment of the skull base, thus influencing the entire body.

* **Intermolar Width:** The distance between the inner surfaces of the upper molars. Mewing is thought to influence the intermolar width, as well as overall palate width. Results may vary per person.

* **Skeletal Changes:** This refers to changes in bone structure. It is suggested that through mewing, skeletal changes to the face can occur. These changes are more likely to occur in people that have not passed puberty.

* **Myofunctional Therapy:** A form of therapy focused on improving the function of the tongue and oral muscles. Mewing can be seen as a kind of self-guided myofunctional therapy.

* **GAPE (Growth, Adaptation, Posture, Environment):** A concept developed by Dr. Mike Mew, it is an alternative way to view the method, based on the idea that facial growth and development are directly linked to these four elements.

This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it should equip you with the most common terms used within the mewing community.

How to Start Mewing: Step-by-Step Instructions

If you’re interested in trying mewing, it’s crucial to approach it correctly. Here are step-by-step instructions to get you started:

1. **Understand the Basics:** Make sure you comprehend the core principles of mewing, as discussed in the previous section. Proper tongue position, nasal breathing, and closed lips are essential.

2. **Find Your Correct Tongue Position:** Begin by making a “N” sound. Notice where your tongue touches the roof of your mouth. This is approximately the position you should aim for when mewing. The tip of your tongue should rest gently behind your front teeth, but not press against them. If you have trouble locating this position, try making a “King” sound. Your tongue should be flat against the roof of your mouth.

3. **Practice the Posture:** While in that position, try to make sure the whole tongue is in contact with the palate. The sides of the tongue should make contact with the upper teeth. Start by practicing this posture for short periods throughout the day, like 5 to 10 minutes at a time. The best way to ensure results is consistency. Try to do it when you are sitting in front of a computer, waiting for a bus, watching TV, etc. The more you do it, the easier it will become to maintain proper tongue posture.

4. **Close Your Lips Gently:** Ensure your lips are closed without any tension in your jaw. Your jaw should be relaxed, and you shouldn’t be clenching your teeth.

5. **Breathe Through Your Nose:** Consciously focus on breathing through your nose. Nasal breathing is a critical component of mewing and overall health.

6. **Monitor Your Progress:** Take photos of yourself from the front and side every few weeks to track any changes. Be realistic, though. Changes are usually extremely subtle and can take several months to become apparent. It is also crucial to manage expectations. The claims of mewing are not medically backed by professionals and might only show extremely limited results, if any at all. So avoid focusing too much on results and make this a health-oriented practice.

7. **Be Patient and Consistent:** Mewing is not a quick fix. It takes time and consistent practice to potentially see any results. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see changes right away. Aim for consistency and make it part of your daily routine.

8. **Consider Seeking Professional Guidance:** If you have significant dental issues or concerns about mewing, consult with a qualified orthodontist or myofunctional therapist. They can provide personalized advice and ensure you’re practicing mewing safely and effectively. Self-diagnosing or making changes to your own body without consulting a professional is not recommended. A professional is the only person capable of determining the best course of action for you.

Potential Risks and Considerations

While mewing is often portrayed as a harmless practice, there are potential risks and considerations to be aware of:

* **Dental Problems:** Incorrect mewing, especially when done forcefully, can potentially cause issues such as teeth misalignment or jaw pain. Avoid pressing too hard with your tongue against your palate. This can create pressure and displacement of the teeth. Be sure to use the soft mewing method, in which your tongue rests gently against the roof of the mouth without excess force.

* **Jaw Pain and TMD:** For some individuals, mewing might exacerbate existing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues or cause new pain. It’s crucial to listen to your body and stop if you experience any discomfort.

* **Unrealistic Expectations:** Many online forums and communities present idealized and often exaggerated results from mewing. It’s important to be realistic about the potential changes you might see. Don’t expect dramatic transformations. Most changes are very gradual and subtle and may only appear after many months of consistent practice.

* **Lack of Scientific Evidence:** There’s a lack of extensive scientific research to fully support many claims associated with mewing. While anecdotal evidence exists, more studies are needed to fully understand its impact. Remember that this practice is still controversial, so it is best to proceed with caution.

* **Self-Diagnosis:** Mewing should not be seen as a substitute for professional medical or dental advice. If you have underlying health issues, consult with a healthcare provider. Avoid self-diagnosing or making your own conclusions based on online forums or communities. Only a professional can properly evaluate you and make a specific treatment plan.

Tips for Effective Mewing

To maximize your success with mewing, consider these tips:

* **Start Slow:** Begin by focusing on the correct tongue position and gradually increase the duration you hold the posture. It is important to not become obsessed and overdo it. A healthy dose of consistency is more effective than excessive use. Starting slowly can also help your mouth muscles get used to the new position.

* **Make it a Habit:** Try to incorporate mewing into your daily routine. You can do it while you work, study, commute, or even relax. It’s all about making it a natural habit, not something you need to force all the time.

* **Practice in Front of a Mirror:** Initially, practicing in front of a mirror can help you ensure you’re maintaining the correct tongue position and facial posture. The mirror will give you valuable feedback and help your mind and mouth adjust to the new resting posture.

* **Take Regular Breaks:** Don’t strain your jaw or tongue. Take breaks if you feel discomfort or fatigue. Overexerting the mouth may lead to injuries and discomfort, and it is best to avoid such situations.

* **Combine with Other Practices:** Incorporating mewing alongside other healthy habits, such as proper posture, a healthy diet, and regular exercise, can enhance the potential benefits.

* **Join an Online Community:** Connecting with other people who practice mewing can provide support, motivation, and helpful advice. However, keep in mind that you should take information shared online with a grain of salt. Do not accept random advice without consulting a professional.

* **Be Mindful:** Pay attention to how your body feels while mewing and make adjustments as needed. You are the only person who can monitor yourself and your limits, so listen to your body.

* **Document Your Progress:** Regularly track your progress with photographs and notes. This helps you stay motivated and notice subtle changes over time. However, do not become obsessed with the idea of physical change. Focus more on maintaining healthy practices and if the changes eventually appear, then that’s a bonus.

The Controversy Surrounding Mewing

Mewing is not without controversy. The medical and scientific communities are still debating its validity and effectiveness. Here are some points of contention:

* **Lack of Scientific Evidence:** Many claims made by mewing proponents lack substantial scientific backing. While anecdotal evidence is abundant, more rigorous research is needed to prove the effectiveness of mewing.

* **Skepticism from Professionals:** Many orthodontists and other medical professionals are skeptical of mewing due to the lack of scientific evidence and the potential for harm if practiced incorrectly. The lack of consensus from the medical community makes the efficacy of mewing highly debatable.

* **Overstated Claims:** Some individuals and groups promoting mewing make exaggerated claims about its ability to transform facial structure dramatically. It’s crucial to manage expectations and approach mewing with a healthy dose of skepticism.

* **Potential for Misinformation:** The online mewing community can sometimes be a source of misinformation and inaccurate advice. Always verify information from multiple reputable sources.

* **Focus on Aesthetics:** The primary focus of many mewing enthusiasts is often on aesthetics rather than health. While a person can attempt to improve their looks, the focus must be on health. If results come after that, then it’s an added bonus. But the health aspects must be prioritized.

* **Misconceptions About Bone Growth:** Bone remodeling is a complex process that is significantly impacted by age. Significant bone growth is unlikely in adults, so be realistic about the potential benefits for different age groups. If a person has already passed puberty, the effects of mewing on bone structure will likely be minimal.

Conclusion: Mewing – A Technique with Potential and Controversy

Mewing is a fascinating and controversial technique. While proponents claim that it can improve facial aesthetics, breathing, and overall health, the scientific community remains skeptical due to the lack of comprehensive research. Understanding the core principles, potential benefits, risks, and terminology is crucial before attempting this method. It’s equally important to approach mewing with patience, realistic expectations, and possibly under the supervision of a qualified health professional.

This guide has equipped you with the knowledge to navigate the world of mewing, from its basic principles to its associated slang and controversy. Always remember that your health is more important than any aesthetic-based motivation. If in doubt, consult with your doctor, a dentist, or a qualified orthodontist before making any major changes.