Zoom Smile

aka “The smile that never reaches your eyes” 

In 2009, supermodel/reality TV hostess Tyra Banks invented a technique she called “smizing,” or “smiling with your eyes.” In 2020, legions of the newly homebound invented its polar opposite. Described in contemporary texts as “tense,” “weird” and “deer-in-the-headlights-y,” the Zoom smile was a rictus-like mask that belied the deep dismay lurking just below the surface. Named for the “popular” telecommunications app of the era, the Zoom smile could be maintained effectively for up to 90 minutes, but was always released within 3/8 of a second after clicking the “Leave Meeting” button.