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What is Gurning? Uncover the Viral Facial Expression!

The world of online trends is often a whirlwind, and gurning has been at the center of one such storm. But what is gurning, really? This article will demystify it. Gurning competitions, where participants contort their faces into amusing expressions, highlight its performative aspect. The origins of gurning can be traced back, some say, to the rural North of England, where it served as a form of entertainment. Understanding what is gurning also involves acknowledging its presence in internet memes, which has significantly broadened its audience and evolved what is gurning into an internet sensation.

Professional gurning

Image taken from the YouTube channel SWNS Digital , from the video titled Professional gurning .

Imagine a face contorted in ways you didn’t think humanly possible. Eyes bulging, jaw thrust forward, perhaps even twisted to the side at an unnatural angle. This, in its most raw form, is gurning. A deliberate act of facial distortion, often bizarre and occasionally unsettling, yet undeniably captivating.


Gurning is more than just pulling a funny face. It’s an art form, albeit an unconventional one. A performance of deliberate ugliness, a subversion of conventional beauty. Think of it as the anti-selfie.

What is Gurning?

At its core, gurning involves intentionally manipulating facial muscles to create exaggerated and often grotesque expressions. It’s a display of control and flexibility.

The Purpose of This Exploration

This article serves as an exploration into the curious world of gurning. We will delve into its definition, tracing its unique history and examine the specific techniques involved. We will also discuss its cultural significance, from its roots in rural tradition to its modern-day presence online.

Consider this your invitation to discover the unexpected artistry behind the face that launched a thousand stares. Get ready to explore the fascinating, and often hilarious, world of gurning.

Imagine a face contorted in ways you didn’t think humanly possible. Eyes bulging, jaw thrust forward, perhaps even twisted to the side at an unnatural angle. This, in its most raw form, is gurning. A deliberate act of facial distortion, often bizarre and occasionally unsettling, yet undeniably captivating.

Gurning is more than just pulling a funny face. It’s an art form, albeit an unconventional one. A performance of deliberate ugliness, a subversion of conventional beauty. Think of it as the anti-selfie.

Defining Gurning: Beyond the Funny Face

So, we’ve seen glimpses of the gurn. But what truly sets it apart? What elevates it from a mere silly expression to a distinct practice with its own nuances and (dare we say) artistry?

This is where we delve into a more precise definition.

The Intentional Distortion: Gurning as a Deliberate Act

At its heart, gurning is the art of intentionally distorting one’s face. It’s a conscious manipulation of facial muscles, pushed to their limits (and sometimes beyond).

The aim isn’t simply to look comical; it’s to achieve a level of exaggerated ugliness that is both shocking and strangely mesmerizing. This requires control, flexibility, and a willingness to abandon conventional notions of attractiveness.

It’s a performance, a temporary reshaping of the self.

Gurning vs. Funny Faces: Skill and Intent

While all gurns can be considered funny faces, not all funny faces qualify as gurning. The key distinction lies in the level of skill and intentionality involved.

A child making a goofy expression is amusing, but a seasoned gurner contorting their face into an almost unrecognizable mask is something else entirely.

Gurning demands practice, technique, and an understanding of facial anatomy. It’s the difference between a beginner’s sketch and a master painter’s portrait—both may be images, but their execution and intent differ vastly.

The ephemeral nature of a gurn belies the skill behind it.

Disrupting Communication: The Subversive Face

Facial expressions are integral to human communication. They convey emotions, intentions, and subtle nuances that words often fail to capture.

Gurning, however, subverts this established language. It takes the familiar vocabulary of facial expressions and scrambles it, creating a distorted dialect that can be both humorous and unsettling.

Instead of signaling joy, sadness, or anger, a gurn often communicates something more ambiguous: a challenge to conventional beauty, a celebration of the grotesque, or simply a playful act of defiance.

The distorted visage forces a second look.

It’s a disruption of the expected, a visual cacophony that demands attention. Gurning, in this sense, plays with our inherent understanding of the face as a mirror to the soul, transforming it into a canvas for bizarre and often hilarious experimentation.

A child making a goofy expression is simply being a child.
A comedian pulling a face for a laugh employs a calculated performance.
But the gurner?
The gurner transforms.
They sculpt their face into something primal, almost grotesque, a deliberate act of self-reconstruction.
But where did this peculiar performance art originate?
How did the simple act of pulling a face evolve into a celebrated (and judged) competition?

A Historical Journey: Tracing the Roots of Gurning

The history of gurning is as twisted and fascinating as the faces it celebrates.
While pinpointing its exact genesis is difficult, its roots likely lie deep within the rich soil of British folk traditions.
It is from these early origins it blossomed into a unique cultural phenomenon.

Folk Traditions and the Seeds of Gurning

Imagine a time before television, before the internet, when entertainment was largely self-made and community-driven.
In rural communities, festivals and fairs were vital social events, providing opportunities for merriment, competition, and the showcasing of local talent.
It’s plausible that gurning, in its nascent form, emerged from these gatherings.

The urge to amuse, to shock, to simply be seen, likely spurred individuals to experiment with facial contortions.
These early "gurns" may have been impromptu displays of humor, a way to break the monotony of daily life.
These were the seeds from which the modern art of gurning would eventually sprout.
Consider the potential influence of traditions like mumming or other forms of folk theatre, where disguises and exaggerated performances were commonplace.
These cultural expressions could have indirectly contributed to the development of gurning as a distinct practice.

The Egremont Crab Fair: A Hub for Gurning

The Egremont Crab Fair in Cumbria, England, stands as the undisputed epicenter of gurning.
Dating back to 1267, this annual event has, for centuries, provided a stage for gurners to showcase their talent.
Why the Crab Fair?
The answer is shrouded in a mix of historical happenstance and local tradition.

The fair itself was originally established under Royal Charter and was significant for agricultural trading.
Over time it evolved into a celebration of rural life, incorporating various forms of entertainment.
Somewhere along the way, gurning found its niche.
The exact reasons for this remain unclear, but one can imagine the appeal of such a spectacle in a boisterous, celebratory environment.
The fair’s longevity and its commitment to tradition allowed gurning to flourish, becoming an integral part of its identity.

The World Gurning Championships: A Competitive Art

Within the Egremont Crab Fair, the World Gurning Championships represents the pinnacle of the gurning world.
Competitors, known as "gurners," frame their faces through a horse collar (or "braffin") and attempt to pull the most grotesque and amusing face possible.
The rules are simple but the competition is fierce.

Rules and Judging

Judges evaluate gurners based on several criteria:

  • The degree of facial distortion
  • Creativity
  • Overall impact
  • The ability to maintain the gurn for a sustained period

It’s a subjective art, of course, but the best gurners possess a rare combination of facial flexibility, showmanship, and sheer determination.

Cultural Significance

The World Gurning Championships are more than just a quirky competition.
They are a celebration of local tradition, a testament to the enduring power of folk culture.
The event draws participants and spectators from far and wide, injecting tourism revenue into the local community and garnering international media attention.
It provides a sense of identity and pride for the people of Egremont, reinforcing their connection to their unique heritage.

Evolution of the Competition

Over the years, the World Gurning Championships have evolved, adapting to changing times while maintaining its core traditions.
The competition has become more organized, with clear rules and regulations.
The advent of social media has amplified its reach, introducing gurning to a global audience.
While some purists may lament the influence of modernity, the championships continue to thrive, attracting new generations of gurners eager to test their mettle.
The horse collar remains a constant, a tangible link to the past, reminding participants and spectators alike of the rich history that underpins this bizarre and wonderful tradition.

Techniques of the Trade: Mastering the Gurning Art Form

The historical context provides a rich tapestry for understanding why gurning exists, but it leaves us with a burning question: how is it actually done? Gurning isn’t just about making a silly face; it’s a deliberate manipulation of facial muscles, a performance demanding control and a willingness to embrace the grotesque.

The Anatomy of a Gurn

At its core, gurning is a study in facial anatomy. It’s about understanding the limits of your muscles and pushing them, artfully, to the brink.

While there’s no single "correct" way to gurn, certain techniques are consistently employed.

Jaw contortions are perhaps the most iconic. This often involves thrusting the lower jaw forward and upward.

Some achieve incredible protrusion, making the lower lip disappear entirely or revealing gums in unexpected ways.

Eye movements play a crucial supporting role. Crossed eyes, wide-eyed stares, and asymmetrical winks can all amplify the overall effect.

The skill lies in coordinating these elements, creating a face that is both shocking and, strangely, compelling.

Historical Methods and the Horse Collar

Historically, gurning wasn’t always a purely freeform exercise.

One intriguing method, often associated with the Egremont Crab Fair, involved framing the face.

Competitors would contort their faces through a horse collar. This added another layer of difficulty and visual impact.

The collar acted as a frame, highlighting the distorted features and forcing participants to work within a confined space.

While the horse collar may not be as prevalent today, it serves as a reminder of the resourcefulness and ingenuity of early gurners.

The Essence of Humor: Shock, Absurdity, and Performance

But why do people do it? What’s the point of pulling such bizarre faces?

The humor in gurning is complex, a blend of shock value, absurdity, and performative skill.

The initial shock comes from the unexpected distortion of the human face.

It challenges our ingrained notions of beauty and normalcy.

The absurdity stems from the sheer pointlessness of the act.

There’s no practical reason to gurn, it exists purely for entertainment.

This embrace of the nonsensical is often inherently funny.

And finally, there’s the performance aspect. Gurning is not just about making an ugly face; it’s about embodying a character, however fleeting and bizarre.

It’s a display of control, creativity, and a willingness to let go of inhibitions.

A Beginner’s Guide: How to Gurn (Responsibly)

So, you’re intrigued? You want to try your hand (or rather, your face) at gurning? Here’s a light-hearted guide to get you started:

  1. Start Slowly: Don’t try to achieve maximum distortion on your first attempt. Warm up your facial muscles with gentle stretches and movements.

  2. Focus on One Element: Practice jaw contortions, eye movements, or brow raises separately before attempting to combine them.

  3. Use a Mirror: Observe your face as you contort it. This will help you understand which muscles you’re using and how the different elements interact.

  4. Don’t Overdo It: Gurning can strain your facial muscles, so take breaks and avoid prolonged sessions, especially when starting out.

  5. Embrace the Absurdity: Don’t be afraid to look silly. Gurning is all about embracing the ridiculous.

Important Disclaimer: Always gurn responsibly. Be mindful of your audience and avoid making faces that could be interpreted as offensive or harmful. And remember, safety first! Pulling a muscle isn’t funny. Unless… wait…

Gurning is an odd art, but it is undeniably an art form. The gurner finds the space between the funny and the grotesque, the absurd and the skillful. It’s a curious, fascinating place to be.

Historically confined to village fairs and local competitions, the gurn, once a niche tradition, now finds itself thrust onto the global stage, propelled by the relentless engine of the internet. But how did this curious custom, rooted in regional eccentricity, morph into a readily accessible online phenomenon?

Gurning in the Modern World: From Tradition to Viral Trend

From Village Fair to Viral Feed

The internet, and social media in particular, has democratized access to countless subcultures and art forms. Gurning is no exception. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram have provided a stage for gurners worldwide to showcase their skills, share techniques, and connect with like-minded enthusiasts.

No longer limited to the annual Egremont Crab Fair, gurning videos and images can now reach a global audience in seconds, introducing the art form to people who might never have otherwise encountered it.

The rise of online gurning challenges and competitions has further fueled its popularity, encouraging participation and creativity. This digital exposure has undoubtedly broadened the appeal of gurning, transforming it from a regional oddity into a potentially viral sensation.

The Enduring Appeal of the Grotesque

What explains gurning’s surprising longevity and its ability to capture attention in the age of the internet? The answer, perhaps, lies in its subversive nature and its willingness to embrace the absurd.

In a world often saturated with carefully curated images and manufactured perfection, gurning offers a refreshing dose of unfiltered, unadulterated silliness. It is a reminder that it’s okay to be ridiculous, to push boundaries, and to challenge conventional notions of beauty and attractiveness.

The humor in gurning stems from its deliberate distortion of the human face, a feature so central to our identity and communication. By twisting and contorting our features into grotesque shapes, we are, in a sense, mocking our own self-importance and embracing the inherent absurdity of human existence.

Moreover, there is a certain fascination with the physical skill and control required to execute a truly impressive gurn. It’s not simply about making a funny face; it’s about pushing the limits of facial anatomy and demonstrating a unique form of physical dexterity. This combination of humor, skill, and subversion is what makes gurning so captivating to many.

Navigating the Ethical Landscape of Facial Expression

While gurning is generally considered a harmless and humorous activity, it is important to acknowledge the potential for misinterpretation and offense. Facial expressions are powerful tools of communication, and they can be used to convey a wide range of emotions, including prejudice, mockery, and disrespect.

It is crucial to draw a line between harmless gurning, intended for entertainment and self-expression, and facial expressions that deliberately target or demean specific individuals or groups. Context is paramount. A gurn performed in the spirit of lighthearted fun is vastly different from a facial expression intended to bully, intimidate, or discriminate.

The anonymity afforded by the internet can sometimes embolden individuals to engage in harmful behavior, including the use of facial expressions to spread hate or misinformation.

Therefore, it is essential to promote responsible online behavior and to encourage critical thinking about the potential impact of our facial expressions, both online and offline. While gurning can be a source of amusement and entertainment, it should never be used as a vehicle for malice or discrimination.

The key is intention and context. Gurning, at its heart, is about playful distortion. When that playfulness gives way to malicious intent, the line has been crossed.

FAQs About Gurning

What exactly is gurning?

Gurning is a facial expression that involves contorting your face, often by jutting out the lower jaw and exaggerating other facial features. The goal is usually to create a funny or grotesque look. When people ask what is gurning, it is primarily to express an extreme face.

Where did the term "gurning" originate?

The term "gurning" is thought to have originated in northern England. It has been used for centuries to describe distorted facial expressions, especially in competitions where people try to make the ugliest face.

Is gurning harmful to your face?

While occasional gurning is unlikely to cause serious harm, repeatedly contorting your face in extreme ways could potentially strain facial muscles. It’s generally a good idea to avoid doing it excessively.

Is there a difference between gurning and making faces?

Gurning is a specific type of face-making that focuses on creating a comical, distorted, or ugly expression. Simply making faces encompasses a broader range of expressions, including happy, sad, or surprised looks, while what is gurning is always an extreme facial contortion.

So, that’s the scoop on what is gurning! Hope you found it interesting. Go forth and gurn… responsibly, of course! 😉

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