Kamil Perry
In the 1840s, photographers asked their subjects to say prunes instead of cheese when taking a picture. This was to encourage them to tighten their lips, which was a more socially acceptable expression at the time. The word prunes was also used to prevent people from laughing, creating a more stoic and sophisticated look. With the advancement of photography in the 20th century, saying cheese became more common as people became more comfortable with smiling in photographs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time Period | 1840s, 19th century, early 20th century |
| Reason | To tighten lips, creating a more solemn expression |
| Social Norms | Stern faces were considered socially preferable |
| Dental Care | Poor dental care made people uncomfortable with smiling |
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What You'll Learn
Photographers encouraged people to say prunes to tighten their lips
In the 1840s, photographers encouraged people to say "prunes" instead of "cheese" to tighten their lips. This was because the word "prunes" makes the speaker's lips press together, creating a more stoic expression. At the time, it was socially preferable to have a solemn expression in photographs, and the long exposure times of early cameras made it difficult to maintain a smile. Additionally, many people did not have access to good dental care, so they may have preferred to keep their mouths closed in photos.
The phrase "say cheese" emerged later, in 1943, as cameras became more affordable and casual snapshots became more common. People also started taking better care of their teeth, making them more comfortable with smiling in photos. "Say cheese" instructs people to smile with their lips apart and teeth showing, creating a different smile from the one formed by saying "prunes."
The use of "prunes" was not limited to Britain, as some sources suggest that the word plum was also used in place of "cheese" in the past. In other countries, photographers use different words or phrases to make people smile, such as "eggplant" in China and "cabbage" in Bulgaria.
While the origin of "say cheese" is unknown, it has become a widely recognized phrase in English-speaking countries. The expression is so ingrained in the culture that it has evolved beyond its original purpose, with people understanding it as a simple command to smile rather than an instruction to say the word "cheese."
The history of smiling in photographs is fascinating, and it showcases the evolution of social norms, technology, and the role of photography in society.
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Social norms played a role in the stern faces of the 19th and early 20th centuries
The 19th and early 20th centuries were marked by significant social, political, and cultural changes that influenced the norms and values of society. The French Revolution and the Industrial Revolution disrupted the old European order, leading to social upheaval and the redefinition of social norms.
During this period, the emergence of photography played a role in capturing and reflecting the stern faces of the time. Photographers instructed their subjects to say "prunes" instead of "cheese" to achieve a more socially preferable look with tightened lips and a solemn expression. This practice was influenced by social norms that favored stoic and humorless expressions over wide smiles.
The Industrial Revolution, which began in Great Britain and spread worldwide, brought about rapid urbanization, technological advancements, and social changes. The Victorian era, for example, was known for its strict social norms regarding modesty and gender roles. Women, regardless of class, often had no choice but to undertake paid work, facing unequal pay and poor working conditions. This led to notable strikes, such as the one at Bryant and May match factory in 1888, where women workers demanded better rights and highlighted harsh working conditions.
The social norms of the time, influenced by the broader societal changes, shaped the way people presented themselves in photographs and conducted their daily lives. The stern faces in early photographs can be attributed not only to long exposure times but also to the social expectations and norms of the 19th and early 20th centuries.
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Say cheese emerged in the mid-20th century
In the 19th century, it was common for people to maintain a neutral facial expression in photographs. This was partly due to the long exposure times required for early cameras, which made it challenging to hold a smile for several minutes. Additionally, social norms and the seriousness of portrait sessions influenced the preference for solemn expressions.
However, as photography evolved and exposure times decreased, the idea of smiling in photographs became more acceptable. By the mid-20th century, photography had become faster, cheaper, and more casual. People also started paying more attention to their dental hygiene, making them more comfortable with smiling.
During this transition, photographers played a crucial role in shaping the trend of smiling in photographs. They began using specific words and phrases to help subjects achieve a particular smile. Interestingly, the phrase "say cheese" emerged in this context in the mid-20th century. The word "cheese" encourages subjects to smile with their lips apart, revealing their teeth.
Prior to the widespread adoption of "say cheese," photographers in British studios in the 19th and early 20th centuries employed a different tactic. They instructed their subjects to say \"prunes,\" which resulted in a tightening of the lips, producing a more restrained expression that aligned with the social norms of the time. This practice was particularly relevant given the long exposure times of early cameras, making it easier to maintain a neutral expression than a smile.
While the exact reasons for the transition from "prunes" to "cheese" are not entirely clear, it is likely that the increasing accessibility of photography and shifting social norms played a role. As cameras became more affordable and prevalent, people became accustomed to seeing natural and happy expressions in photographs. This shift in preferences gradually led to the widespread adoption of "say cheese" as the go-to phrase for capturing smiles.
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Prunes was used to achieve a resting, sophisticated face
In the 1840s, photographers used the phrase "say prunes" instead of "say cheese" to get their subjects to pose with a straight face for the camera. The word "prunes" was chosen because it caused the subject's lips to press together, resulting in a more stoic and serious expression. This was considered more socially acceptable than a wide smile, especially during a time when dental hygiene was not a common practice.
The early days of photography, with its long exposure times and expensive nature, also contributed to the preference for solemn expressions in photographs. Holding a neutral expression for several minutes was easier than maintaining a smile. As a result, most 19th- and early 20th-century photos depict subjects with straight faces.
The phrase "say cheese" emerged later, as photography became faster, cheaper, and more casual in the mid-20th century. People also started paying more attention to their dental hygiene, making them more comfortable with smiling in photographs. However, the phrase "say prunes" remained popular among those who preferred a more restrained and refined facial expression.
The word "prunes" was specifically chosen to achieve a "resting, sophisticated face." Pronouncing the word "prunes" requires the lips to be pressed together, creating a subtle and controlled expression. This expression was often associated with sophistication and refinement, conveying a sense of calm and composure. By saying "prunes," individuals could strike a balance between appearing relaxed and maintaining a sense of elegance and maturity in their photographs.
While the phrase "say cheese" has become a ubiquitous part of modern photography, the history of "say prunes" offers a fascinating insight into the social norms and aesthetic preferences of the past. The desire to capture a resting, sophisticated face led to the unique and intriguing expression "say prunes," adding a layer of complexity to the evolution of photography and our understanding of historical portraiture.
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Cheese is now used globally to encourage a smile
The phrase "say cheese" has become so ingrained in our culture that it has transcended its original purpose of simply encouraging a smile for a photograph. Today, "say cheese" is used globally to invoke a smile in various contexts beyond just photography. While the exact origins of the phrase are unclear, it is believed to have emerged in the mid-20th century when photography became more accessible and casual. However, this popular phrase underwent an interesting evolution, with its roots tracing back to an earlier era when a different word was used instead: "prunes".
In the 1840s and extending into the 19th century, photography was a much more serious affair. Due to long exposure times and the expensive and time-consuming nature of early photography, most people opted for neutral facial expressions or solemn poses in their portraits. Social norms and dental hygiene issues further contributed to the preference for stoic expressions over smiles. To achieve this desired look, photographers in British studios instructed their subjects to say "prunes" instead of "cheese". The word "prunes" caused a tightening of the lips, resulting in a more restrained and sophisticated expression.
As technology advanced and photography became faster, cheaper, and more casual in the mid-20th century, people began embracing smiles in their photographs. This shift in aesthetic preferences led to the adoption of "say cheese" by photographers. The word "cheese" encourages subjects to smile with their lips apart, revealing their teeth. While "say cheese" gained popularity in English-speaking countries, other cultures developed their own unique phrases to elicit smiles, such as "eggplant" in China and "cabbage" in Bulgaria.
Today, "say cheese" has become a versatile phrase used globally to encourage smiles in a variety of contexts. Whether it's capturing a joyful moment in a photograph, lightening the mood in a social setting, or simply bringing a smile to someone's face, the phrase has become synonymous with happiness and positivity. The power of "say cheese" lies in its ability to transcend language and cultural barriers, connecting people through the universal language of a smile. So, the next time you find yourself uttering these words, remember the fascinating history behind them and the impact they have in creating joyful moments worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, in the 1840s and 19th century, photographers asked people to say "prunes" instead of "cheese". This was to encourage a tightening of the lips, which was a more socially preferable expression than a wide smile.
In the 1800s, good dental care was not widely available, and people with missing or chipped teeth might have preferred to take photos with their mouths closed. The word "prunes" makes your lips press together, creating a more stoic expression.
In the 20th century, photography became faster, cheaper, and more casual. People also started taking better care of their teeth. As a result, smiling in photos became more common, and "say cheese" emerged as a phrase to encourage people to smile with their teeth showing.
