Mewing

Definition

Mewing is a tongue posture technique where you press your tongue flat against the roof of your mouth. It's claimed to improve jawline definition and facial structure over time. Named after Dr. Mike Mew, a British orthodontist who promotes the technique.

On TikTok, mewing became a viral meme, often shown as a way to instantly "ascend" or improve attractiveness. The hand gesture of touching your chin/jaw while mewing became iconic.

Origin & History

The Serious Origin: Dr. John Mew and his son Dr. Mike Mew developed "orthotropics" - a theory that proper tongue posture affects facial bone development. They claim that keeping your tongue on the roof of your mouth can:

• Define your jawline
• Improve facial symmetry
• Correct breathing issues

The medical community is skeptical, with limited scientific evidence supporting dramatic results. Dr. Mike Mew was expelled from the British Orthodontic Society in 2017.

The Meme Evolution: Despite controversy, mewing exploded on TikTok in 2022-2024:

• "Looksmaxxing" communities adopted it
• The mewing hand gesture became iconic
• Videos showing "before/after" transformations went viral
• It became both genuine advice AND an ironic meme

The joke often involves exaggerated claims: "Day 1 of mewing vs Day 365" with ridiculous transformations.

How to Use It

As a technique:

1. Close your mouth
2. Press entire tongue against roof of mouth
3. Breathe through nose
4. Maintain this posture constantly

As slang/meme:

• Referencing the jaw gesture
• Joking about self-improvement
• Part of "looksmaxxing" culture

Examples

"Why is he mewing in every photo?"

"Bro started mewing and thinks he's a model now."

"The mewing is crazy. Look at that jawline."

does mewing gesture "This is how I got my jawline."

"Day 500 of mewing, I can cut glass with my chin."

Related Terms

• Sigma
• Aura
• Rizz