Duchenne Smile
The historical name for a visible movement pattern combining AU6 and AU12. The pattern does not verify genuine enjoyment or another internal state.
Named for 19th-century French neurologist Guillaume Duchenne, the term describes the co-activation of AU6 and AU12. It is a visible movement pattern, not a test of authentic positive emotion.
Some smiles show AU12 without AU6, while others show both. The pattern alone cannot determine whether a smile is genuine, polite, masking, or performative.
Related terms: action unit, au6 cheek raiser, au12 lip corner puller, facial action coding system
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