Andy Montoya
The phrase say cheese has become a ubiquitous prompt before taking a photo, but its origins are rooted in the early 20th century. The idea is simple yet effective: saying cheese naturally lifts the corners of the mouth, creating a smile. This practice gained popularity in the 1940s when photographers sought a way to encourage genuine smiles in portraits. The word cheese was chosen for its ability to produce the desired facial expression, as it requires the speaker to stretch their lips into a wide grin. Over time, this phrase became a cultural norm, transcending language barriers and embedding itself into the global ritual of photography. Today, say cheese remains a timeless cue, ensuring that smiles captured in photos are as bright and authentic as possible.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | The phrase "say cheese" dates back to the early 20th century, with the earliest known reference in a 1903 newspaper article. |
| Purpose | To help subjects form a smile by pronouncing a word that naturally lifts the cheeks and forms a smile. |
| Phonetics | The long "ee" sound in "cheese" causes the mouth to form a smile-like shape, making it an effective prompt for photography. |
| Cultural Spread | Widely adopted in English-speaking countries and later spread globally with the rise of photography. |
| Alternatives | Other languages have similar phrases, such as "whiskey" in some Asian countries or "ouistiti" in French, which serve the same purpose. |
| Psychology | The act of saying "cheese" can trigger a genuine smile by engaging facial muscles associated with happiness. |
| Modern Usage | Still commonly used by photographers, especially with children or groups, to ensure subjects are smiling in photos. |
| Effectiveness | Studies suggest that saying "cheese" can produce more natural-looking smiles compared to forced expressions. |
| Evolution | Over time, the phrase has become a cultural norm and is often used reflexively when taking photos. |
| Exceptions | Some photographers avoid using "cheese" to capture more candid or spontaneous expressions. |
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What You'll Learn
- Historical Origins: Phrase linked to 19th-century photographer's technique to get natural smiles by saying cheese
- Phonetic Reasoning: Cheese forms a smile shape with lips, making it ideal for photos
- Cultural Spread: Popularized in English-speaking countries, now a global photo-taking tradition
- Alternatives Worldwide: Other cultures use words like kimchi or whiskey for similar effects
- Psychological Impact: Saying cheese helps people relax and smile genuinely in photos
Historical Origins: Phrase linked to 19th-century photographer's technique to get natural smiles by saying cheese
The phrase "say cheese" has become an almost universal cue for smiling in front of the camera, but its origins are rooted in a specific historical context. In the 19th century, photography was a cumbersome and time-consuming process. Early cameras required long exposure times, often lasting several seconds, during which subjects had to remain perfectly still. This posed a challenge for photographers: how to capture a natural, relaxed smile without the subject’s face stiffening from holding the pose too long. Enter the word "cheese," a simple yet effective solution to this technical problem.
Photographers of the era discovered that asking subjects to say "cheese" elongated the mouth into a shape resembling a genuine smile. The long "e" sound in "cheese" naturally lifts the corners of the lips, creating the appearance of joy. This technique was particularly useful because it provided a consistent and repeatable way to elicit a smile, even when subjects were uncomfortable or unfamiliar with being photographed. It was a practical workaround for the limitations of early photography, blending art and science to produce more lifelike portraits.
While the exact originator of this method remains unclear, its widespread adoption is evident in photographic records from the late 1800s. Studios began incorporating the phrase into their routines, and it quickly became a standard practice. Interestingly, the word "cheese" was chosen not for its meaning but for its phonetic qualities. Other words with similar vowel sounds, such as "peas" or "keys," could theoretically achieve the same effect, but "cheese" stuck, perhaps due to its familiarity and ease of pronunciation across different English-speaking populations.
This historical technique highlights the ingenuity of early photographers, who had to overcome significant technical constraints to create compelling images. The use of "cheese" was more than just a quirky tradition; it was a deliberate strategy to humanize photographs during an era when the medium was still finding its footing. Today, while modern cameras allow for instantaneous shots and candid smiles, the phrase endures as a nod to this early innovation. It serves as a reminder of how even the simplest solutions can have lasting impacts on culture and behavior.
For those interested in experimenting with this technique, consider its original purpose: to create a natural smile during a prolonged pose. While modern photography no longer requires such measures, the phrase can still be useful in situations where subjects feel awkward or self-conscious. Pairing "say cheese" with lighthearted conversation or a playful atmosphere can enhance its effectiveness, ensuring the smile feels genuine rather than forced. In this way, a 19th-century photographer’s trick continues to bridge the gap between technology and human expression.
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Phonetic Reasoning: Cheese forms a smile shape with lips, making it ideal for photos
The word "cheese" is a photographer's secret weapon, a simple yet powerful tool to capture the perfect smile. This seemingly arbitrary phrase has a profound effect on our facial muscles, and understanding its impact can elevate your photography skills. When you say "cheese," your lips naturally stretch into a wide grin, forming a shape that resembles the word itself. This phonetic quirk is not just a coincidence but a clever trick to achieve consistent and genuine-looking smiles.
The Science Behind the Smile:
Imagine the mouth as a canvas, and the word "cheese" as the artist's brushstroke. As you pronounce it, the 'ee' sound requires the lips to part and stretch horizontally, creating a broad smile. This action engages the zygomatic major muscle, responsible for lifting the corners of the mouth, resulting in a natural-looking grin. The 'ch' sound at the beginning further enhances the effect by adding a subtle lift to the cheeks. This phonetic combination is a recipe for a picture-perfect smile, ensuring the subject's face lights up with joy.
Practical Application:
To utilize this technique effectively, photographers should instruct their subjects to say "cheese" just before capturing the shot. This is especially useful for group photos, where synchronizing smiles can be challenging. By providing this simple cue, you can ensure everyone's facial expressions are aligned, creating a harmonious and cheerful composition. For best results, encourage subjects to exaggerate the pronunciation, emphasizing the 'ee' sound to maximize the smile's impact.
A Comparative Advantage:
Compared to other smile-inducing phrases, "cheese" stands out for its universal appeal and ease of use. While phrases like "say apples" or "show your teeth" may work, they lack the phonetic precision of "cheese." The latter's unique ability to shape the mouth into a smile makes it a more reliable choice. Additionally, its brevity ensures subjects can maintain the expression for the brief moment needed to capture the photo, avoiding the awkwardness of prolonged posing.
Mastering the Art:
To become a master of this technique, practice is key. Experiment with different subjects and observe how the word "cheese" transforms their smiles. Pay attention to the subtle variations in lip shapes and the overall expression. With time, you'll develop an instinct for when to use this prompt and how to guide your subjects to achieve the most flattering and authentic smiles. Remember, the goal is not just to capture a smile but to freeze a moment of genuine happiness, and "cheese" is the magical word to make it happen.
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Cultural Spread: Popularized in English-speaking countries, now a global photo-taking tradition
The phrase "say cheese" has transcended its English-speaking origins to become a universal cue for smiling in front of the camera. This cultural export, once confined to regions like the United States and the United Kingdom, now resonates in photo studios, family gatherings, and tourist hotspots worldwide. Its journey from local quirk to global tradition highlights the power of media, tourism, and cultural exchange in shaping shared practices.
Consider the mechanics of its spread: English-language films, television shows, and social media platforms have played a pivotal role in disseminating this phrase. Iconic scenes in Hollywood movies or viral Instagram reels often feature characters or influencers prompting "say cheese" before snapping a photo. For non-English speakers, the visual context—a bright smile and a camera—makes the phrase instantly understandable, even if the word itself is foreign. This visual-verbal pairing has turned "say cheese" into a transnational tool for eliciting smiles, regardless of language barriers.
However, the phrase’s adoption isn’t merely passive; it’s often actively embraced as a symbol of modernity or Western influence. In countries where English is taught as a second language, phrases like "say cheese" are absorbed alongside vocabulary and grammar. Tourists, too, act as cultural carriers, bringing the tradition back to their home countries after experiencing it abroad. For instance, a Japanese tourist posing for a photo in New York might later use "say cheese" with friends in Tokyo, embedding it into local customs.
Despite its widespread use, the phrase isn’t universally dominant. Some cultures have retained or adapted their own photo-taking cues. In France, "ouistiti" (meaning "marmoset") is commonly used, while in Korea, "kimchi" serves a similar purpose. These alternatives reflect local linguistic and cultural preferences, reminding us that while "say cheese" is global, it isn’t monolithic. Its success lies in its simplicity and adaptability, not in erasing existing traditions.
To leverage this global phenomenon effectively, consider these practical tips: When traveling, observe local customs before defaulting to "say cheese." If teaching children or non-English speakers to pose for photos, pair the phrase with a demonstration to ensure clarity. Finally, for photographers working internationally, learn a few local cues to foster connection and respect. The cultural spread of "say cheese" is a testament to how small, everyday practices can bridge divides—one smile at a time.
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Alternatives Worldwide: Other cultures use words like kimchi or whiskey for similar effects
The tradition of saying "cheese" before a photo is deeply ingrained in English-speaking cultures, but it’s far from universal. Across the globe, different societies have adopted their own unique phrases to achieve the same effect: a bright, natural smile. These alternatives often reflect cultural values, linguistic nuances, or even culinary preferences. For instance, in South Korea, photographers often say "kimchi" instead of "cheese." The word, referring to the country’s iconic fermented vegetable dish, naturally prompts a wide, toothy grin as speakers stretch their mouths to pronounce the "chi" sound. This practice not only aligns with the phonetic goal of smiling but also celebrates a cornerstone of Korean identity.
In Japan, the phrase "hai, chiizu" (はい、チーズ) is commonly used, blending the English word "cheese" with the Japanese attention-getter "hai." However, a more culturally rooted alternative is "ichi, ni, san" (one, two, three), which mimics the countdown before snapping a photo. This approach emphasizes the moment of capture rather than the smile itself, reflecting a cultural preference for precision and timing. Similarly, in France, photographers often say "ouistiti," meaning "marmoset," a word that encourages a playful, open-mouthed expression. These examples illustrate how cultural context shapes even the smallest interactions, like posing for a photo.
For those looking to adopt these alternatives, consider the audience and setting. If you’re traveling in South Korea, try saying "kimchi" to blend in and connect with locals. In Japan, using "ichi, ni, san" can add a touch of authenticity to your photos, especially in group settings. For a more universal approach, experiment with words that naturally stretch the lips, such as "whiskey" in English-speaking countries or "banane" (banana) in French-speaking regions. The key is to choose a word that feels natural and elicits the desired expression without feeling forced.
One caution: while these alternatives can be fun and culturally enriching, they may not always translate effectively across languages. For example, saying "kimchi" in a non-Korean context might confuse your subjects. Always gauge the situation and consider whether the phrase will resonate with your audience. Additionally, be mindful of pronunciation—mispronouncing a word like "kimchi" could unintentionally alter the facial expression you’re aiming for. Practice beforehand to ensure clarity and effectiveness.
In conclusion, exploring these global alternatives to "cheese" offers more than just a linguistic curiosity—it’s a way to engage with diverse cultures and add a unique touch to your photography. Whether you’re traveling abroad or simply looking to spice up your photo sessions, adopting these phrases can create memorable moments and foster cross-cultural connections. So the next time you’re behind the camera, consider swapping "cheese" for "kimchi," "ouistiti," or "ichi, ni, san" and watch as your subjects light up with a smile that’s both genuine and globally inspired.
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Psychological Impact: Saying cheese helps people relax and smile genuinely in photos
The simple act of saying "cheese" before a photo is more than a cultural quirk—it’s a psychological tool that transforms forced smiles into genuine expressions. When someone prepares to say "cheese," their mouth naturally forms the shape of a smile, engaging the zygomatic major muscles, which are directly linked to authentic happiness. This physical action triggers a feedback loop: the brain registers the smile and releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, making the smile feel more natural and relaxed. It’s a subtle yet powerful example of how body language can influence emotional state.
Consider the alternative: without a prompt, people often default to stiff, self-conscious poses, their smiles strained and fleeting. The word "cheese" acts as a distraction, shifting focus away from the pressure of being photographed. This redirection is particularly effective because it’s a familiar, almost automatic response, requiring minimal cognitive effort. For children, who are often the most natural smilers, the word is especially effective because it’s playful and aligns with their instinct to engage in simple, fun activities. Adults, too, benefit from this simplicity, as it bypasses overthinking and encourages a spontaneous, unguarded expression.
To maximize the psychological benefits of saying "cheese," timing is key. Photographers should instruct subjects to exhale slowly as they say the word, ensuring the smile peaks at the moment the photo is taken. This technique not only enhances the genuineness of the smile but also relaxes the facial muscles, reducing tension around the eyes and jaw. For group photos, encourage everyone to say "cheese" in unison, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared experience, which further amplifies the positive emotional impact.
Critics might argue that saying "cheese" produces generic, overly rehearsed smiles, but this overlooks its primary purpose: to ease anxiety and create a comfortable environment. The goal isn’t to capture a unique expression but to preserve a genuine moment of joy. For those who find "cheese" too predictable, variations like "say pretzel" or "think of something funny" can achieve a similar effect by maintaining the element of distraction. Ultimately, the word itself is less important than the psychological principle it leverages—using physical cues to evoke authentic emotions.
In practice, this technique is universally applicable, from family portraits to professional headshots. For individuals who struggle with self-consciousness, pairing "cheese" with a lighthearted joke or a fond memory can deepen its impact. Similarly, photographers can enhance the effect by creating a relaxed atmosphere, using soft lighting, and engaging in casual conversation before the shot. By understanding the psychological mechanics behind this simple phrase, anyone can turn a potentially awkward moment into an opportunity to capture genuine, lasting happiness.
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Frequently asked questions
Saying "cheese" helps people smile naturally by lifting the cheeks and showing teeth, creating a happy expression in photos.
The exact origin is unclear, but it became popular in the early 20th century as a simple way to prompt a smile for portraits.
No, different cultures use their own phrases, like "whiskey" in Germany or "ouistiti" in France, to achieve the same effect.
Overuse of the word can make the smile look forced or unnatural, as it’s a predictable and often automatic response.
Yes, photographers often use jokes, compliments, or asking subjects to think of something happy to create a more genuine smile.
