pouty

"Pouty" describes a facial expression and the emotional state that often accompanies it. It is characterized by protruding the lips, usually with a slight downward turn at the corners, conveying feelings of sadness, displeasure, or sulkiness. Think of the "duck face" often seen in selfies—that is a modern, intentional take on the pouty look.

The word isn't just about looking sad; it often implies a touch of childishness or petulance. A grown-up might be described as "acting pouty" if they are behaving in a sulky, immature way when things don't go their way. It suggests a desire for attention or sympathy, or perhaps a refusal to engage until they get what they want.

You'll often see "pouty" used to describe physical appearances: "She gave him a pouty look," or "The baby had a sweet, pouty face." However, it can also be used more generally to describe someone's disposition: "He was being awfully pouty all morning after losing the game."

Interestingly, a "pout" isn't always negative. In the worlds of fashion and social media, a slightly pouty expression is often used for aesthetic reasons to appear endearing, moody, or even seductive. However, in everyday conversation, calling someone "pouty" usually suggests they are feeling a little grumpy and are letting it show on their face.