Top 44 Slang For Scowl – Meaning & Usage

Scowling may be a universal expression, but did you know there are various slang terms to describe it? From the classic “mean mug” to the more modern “resting b-face,” our team has curated a list of the top slang for scowl that will have you nodding in recognition or laughing in amusement. So, if you’re ready to dive into the world of facial expressions, buckle up and get ready to explore the colorful language used to describe that unmistakable frown.

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1. Mean mug

When someone is mean mugging, they are staring at someone in an unfriendly or aggressive way.

For example, “He mean mugged me when I walked into the room.”
A person might say, “Don’t mean mug me like that, it’s rude.”
In a confrontation, someone might warn, “If you keep mean mugging me, we’re going to have a problem.”

2. Stank face

Stank face is a term used to describe the look someone makes when they smell something unpleasant or when they strongly dislike something.

For instance, “She had a stank face on when she tasted the spoiled milk.”
A person might say, “I can’t stand that song, it always gives me stank face.”
In a funny situation, someone might say, “His stank face when he saw the surprise was priceless.”

3. Screwface

Screwface refers to a scowling or grimacing expression that shows displeasure or hostility.

For example, “He had a screwface on when he heard the bad news.”
A person might say, “Don’t give me that screwface, I didn’t do anything wrong.”
In a heated argument, someone might say, “I can’t take you seriously with that screwface.”

4. Dirty look

A dirty look is a scornful or unfriendly expression that communicates disapproval or anger.

For instance, “She gave him a dirty look when he interrupted her.”
A person might say, “I could feel her giving me a dirty look from across the room.”
In a tense situation, someone might say, “I wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of his dirty look.”

5. Evil eye

The evil eye refers to an intense and malevolent look that is believed to bring bad luck or harm to the person it is directed towards.

For example, “She gave him the evil eye after he insulted her.”
A person might say, “I always feel uncomfortable when he gives me the evil eye.”
In a superstitious context, someone might say, “I think I got the evil eye from that old lady, everything started going wrong after that.”

6. Death stare

A “death stare” refers to a long and intense glare that is meant to intimidate or convey strong disapproval. It is often associated with anger or a desire to assert dominance.

For example, “She gave him a death stare after he made an inappropriate comment.”
In a confrontational situation, someone might say, “I could feel his death stare burning into me.”
A person might use a death stare to silence a noisy neighbor by saying, “I gave them a death stare and they finally quieted down.”

7. Side-eye

When someone gives you a side-eye, they are looking at you with skepticism or disapproval. It is a subtle way of expressing doubt or suspicion without directly confronting the person.

For instance, “She gave him a side-eye when he claimed he had never been late before.”
In a situation where someone is being insincere, a person might say, “I gave them a side-eye because I didn’t believe their excuse.”
A person might give a side-eye to someone wearing an outrageous outfit by saying, “I couldn’t help but give her a side-eye when I saw her outfit.”

8. Glower

To glower means to stare at someone or something in an angry or fierce manner. It often involves furrowing the brow and narrowing the eyes to express displeasure or hostility.

For example, “He glowered at his opponent before the boxing match.”
In a tense situation, someone might say, “I could feel her glower from across the room.”
A person might glower at someone who cuts in line by saying, “I gave them a glower to let them know they had crossed a line.”

9. Frown

A frown is a facial expression that involves turning the corners of the mouth downward to show unhappiness, disapproval, or concern. It is a common expression of displeasure or sadness.

For instance, “She had a deep frown on her face when she heard the bad news.”
In a situation where someone is disappointed, a person might say, “I couldn’t help but frown when I saw the final product.”
A person might frown at someone who tells a tasteless joke by saying, “I gave them a frown to let them know it wasn’t funny.”

10. Grimace

A grimace is a facial expression that involves contorting the features of the face to show pain, disgust, or discomfort. It often involves tightening the facial muscles and twisting the mouth or eyes.

For example, “He grimaced when he tasted the sour lemon.”
In a situation where someone is in physical pain, a person might say, “I could see the grimace on his face as he held his injured arm.”
A person might grimace at a foul smell by saying, “I couldn’t help but grimace when I caught a whiff of that garbage.”

11. Scowl

A facial expression that shows displeasure or anger, characterized by a furrowed brow and a downward curve of the corners of the mouth.

For example, “She scowled at him when he made a rude comment.”
In a comic strip, a character might scowl to show their frustration.
A parent might scowl at their child to indicate disapproval.

12. Sneer

A facial expression that combines a scowl with a contemptuous or mocking smile. It conveys a sense of superiority or disdain.

For instance, “He sneered at her suggestion, thinking it was ridiculous.”
A person might sneer at someone they perceive as inferior or unintelligent.
In a confrontational situation, one person might sneer at the other to provoke a reaction.

13. Pout

A facial expression characterized by a protrusion of the lips, often indicating displeasure or dissatisfaction. It can also be used to express sadness or disappointment.

For example, “She pouted when she didn’t get her way.”
A child might pout when they are told they can’t have a toy.
In a romantic context, someone might pout to show their partner they are upset.

14. Snarl

A facial expression involving the baring of teeth, often accompanied by a low, threatening sound. It is typically associated with anger or aggression.

For instance, “The dog snarled at the stranger, warning them to stay away.”
In a heated argument, one person might snarl at the other to intimidate them.
A person might snarl when they are frustrated or annoyed.

15. Grouchy face

A facial expression that conveys a bad mood or irritability. It is often characterized by a downturned mouth and narrowed eyes.

For example, “He had a grouchy face all day after a long night of work.”
A person might have a grouchy face when they are tired or in a bad mood.
In a funny context, someone might make a grouchy face to playfully show their annoyance.

16. Angry glare

An “angry glare” refers to a fierce and hostile gaze that conveys anger and displeasure. It is often accompanied by narrowed eyes and a tense facial expression.

For example, a parent might give their child an angry glare after they misbehave.
During an argument, one person might give the other an angry glare to show their frustration.
A teacher might give a student an angry glare for talking back in class.

17. Disdainful look

A “disdainful look” is a facial expression that conveys a strong feeling of disrespect, contempt, or disapproval towards someone or something. It often involves a raised eyebrow, a curled lip, or a sneer.

For instance, a person might give a disdainful look to someone they consider beneath them.
When someone makes a rude comment, another person might respond with a disdainful look to show their disapproval.
A character in a movie might give a disdainful look to an antagonist who has just been defeated.

18. Irritated expression

An “irritated expression” refers to a facial expression that shows annoyance, frustration, or displeasure. It can involve furrowed brows, a frown, or a tightened jaw.

For example, a person might have an irritated expression when they are stuck in traffic.
When someone interrupts a conversation, the person who was speaking might show an irritated expression.
A student might have an irritated expression when they receive a low grade on a test.

19. Mean face

A “mean face” is a term used to describe a facial expression that appears hostile, unfriendly, or intimidating. It can involve a scowl, a furrowed brow, or a stern look.

For instance, a person might put on a mean face to intimidate someone who is bothering them.
When someone is angry, they might naturally have a mean face.
In a confrontation, a person might put on a mean face to assert dominance.

20. Sulky look

A “sulky look” refers to a facial expression that shows unhappiness or discontentment. It often involves a pouty mouth, a downturned or furrowed brow, and a sad or sullen expression.

For example, a child might have a sulky look after being told they can’t have something they want.
When someone is feeling upset or ignored, they might have a sulky look.
A person might give their partner a sulky look after an argument.

21. Stern gaze

A stern gaze is a serious and intense facial expression that conveys disapproval or authority. It is often used to express disapproval or to intimidate.

For example, a teacher might give a stern gaze to a misbehaving student.
In a business meeting, a manager might give a stern gaze to an employee who made a mistake.
A parent might give a stern gaze to their child to show disapproval.

22. Hostile stare

A hostile stare is a menacing and aggressive gaze that is meant to intimidate or provoke fear. It is often used to show anger or to establish dominance.

For instance, during a confrontation, one person might give a hostile stare to the other.
In a competitive sport, a player might give a hostile stare to their opponent to intimidate them.
A person who feels threatened might give a hostile stare to the person making them feel unsafe.

23. Stink eye

The stink eye is a look of disapproval or contempt, often accompanied by a narrowing of the eyes and a scowling expression. It is used to express strong disapproval or dislike.

For example, if someone cuts in line, they might receive a stink eye from the people waiting.
When someone makes an offensive comment, they might receive a stink eye from the person they offended.
A person who is annoyed by someone’s behavior might give them a stink eye to communicate their disapproval.

24. Glare

A glare is an intense and piercing stare that is meant to convey anger, annoyance, or hostility. It is often used to intimidate or show strong disapproval.

For instance, if someone is talking loudly in a library, they might receive a glare from the other patrons.
During an argument, one person might give a glare to the other to show their anger.
A teacher might give a glare to a student who is not paying attention in class.

25. Brood

To brood is to have a dark or sullen look on one’s face, often indicating deep thought, worry, or anger. It is used to convey a negative or moody expression.

For example, if someone is upset about something, they might brood and have a gloomy expression.
A person who is lost in thought might brood and appear distant.
In a tense situation, someone might brood and give off an aura of anger or frustration.

26. Frowning

Frowning is the act of contracting the brow and drawing the corners of the mouth downward, often indicating disapproval or unhappiness.

For example, if someone receives bad news, they might frown in response.
A parent might say to their child, “Stop frowning or your face will stay that way!”
In a comic strip, a character might be depicted frowning to show their dissatisfaction.

27. Grimacing

Grimacing is the act of making a distorted or contorted facial expression, often indicating pain, disgust, or discomfort.

For instance, if someone tastes something unpleasant, they might grimace.
A person might grimace when they stub their toe or experience a sudden jolt of pain.
In a comedy routine, a performer might intentionally make a grimace to elicit laughter from the audience.

28. Sneering

Sneering is the act of curling the upper lip upward while simultaneously raising the corners of the mouth in a contemptuous or mocking expression.

For example, if someone makes a sarcastic comment, they might sneer.
A person might sneer at someone they consider inferior or unworthy.
In a movie, a villain might sneer at the hero as a sign of their disdain.

29. Glaring

Glaring is the act of fixing one’s eyes in a fierce, piercing, or angry manner, often conveying strong disapproval or hostility.

For instance, if someone is annoyed, they might glare at the source of their irritation.
A teacher might glare at a student who is misbehaving in class.
In a confrontation, two individuals might glare at each other as a display of dominance or aggression.

30. Pouting

Pouting is the act of pushing out the lips in a sullen or sulking expression, often indicating dissatisfaction or disappointment.

For example, if someone doesn’t get their way, they might pout.
A child might pout when they are told they can’t have a toy.
In a romantic comedy, a character might pout to show their displeasure with their love interest.

31. Brooding

This refers to a facial expression that conveys deep thought, seriousness, or sadness. It is often characterized by furrowed brows and a serious or pensive look.

For instance, “She sat in the corner, brooding over her troubles.”
In a description of a character in a novel, one might write, “He had a brooding expression that made him appear mysterious.”
A person might comment, “I can’t read his brooding face. I never know what he’s thinking.”

32. Grouching

This slang term describes a facial expression that conveys annoyance, dissatisfaction, or grumpiness. It is often characterized by a frown, narrowed eyes, and a downturned mouth.

For example, “He’s always grouching about something.”
In a description of a person’s mood, one might say, “She had a constant grouching expression on her face.”
A friend might tease, “Why the grouching face? Did someone steal your lunch?”

33. Angry-looking

This term describes a facial expression that conveys anger or hostility. It is often characterized by a scowl, raised eyebrows, and a tense or clenched jaw.

For instance, “He gave her an angry-looking scowl.”
In a description of a person’s appearance, one might write, “She had an angry-looking expression that made others wary.”
A person might comment, “I avoid him when he has that angry-looking face.”

34. Mad-faced

This slang term describes a facial expression that conveys anger or fury. It is often characterized by a scowl, wide eyes, and a tense or contorted mouth.

For example, “He stormed out of the room with a mad-faced expression.”
In a description of a person’s reaction, one might say, “She gave him a mad-faced glare.”
A friend might ask, “Why the mad-faced look? What happened?”

35. Disapproving-looking

This term describes a facial expression that conveys disapproval, dissatisfaction, or judgment. It is often characterized by a frown, narrowed eyes, and pursed lips.

For instance, “She gave him a disapproving-looking scowl.”
In a description of a person’s reaction, one might write, “He had a disapproving-looking expression that made others uncomfortable.”
A person might comment, “I can’t stand her disapproving-looking face. It’s so judgmental.”

36. Sullen-faced

This term describes someone who has a gloomy or depressed expression on their face. It implies a sense of sadness or discontent.

For example, “She walked into the room with a sullen-faced expression, as if she had just received bad news.”
A person might comment, “He always looks sullen-faced, like he’s carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.”
Another might say, “I could tell something was bothering her by the sullen-faced look on her face.”

37. Sour-faced

This phrase refers to someone who has an unhappy or displeased expression on their face. It suggests a negative or grumpy mood.

For instance, “He gave me a sour-faced look when I told him the bad news.”
A person might say, “Don’t mind her sour-faced expression, she’s just having a rough day.”
Another might comment, “She always wears a sour-faced expression, it’s like she’s never happy.”

38. Grumpy-faced

This slang term describes someone who has an irritable or grouchy expression on their face. It implies a person who is easily annoyed or in a bad mood.

For example, “He walked around all day with a grumpy-faced expression, snapping at anyone who crossed his path.”
A person might say, “I can always tell when she’s in a bad mood by her grumpy-faced expression.”
Another might comment, “Even when he’s not actually mad, he always has a grumpy-faced look on his face.”

39. Pissed-off-looking

This phrase refers to someone who has an angry or annoyed expression on their face. It suggests intense anger or frustration.

For instance, “She gave me a pissed-off-looking expression when I accidentally bumped into her.”
A person might say, “He always walks around with a pissed-off-looking face, like he’s ready to start a fight.”
Another might comment, “I could tell he was in a bad mood by his pissed-off-looking expression.”

40. Icy-staring

This slang term describes a stare that is cold, intense, and unwelcoming. It suggests a person who is distant or unfriendly.

For example, “She looked at me with an icy-staring gaze, making me feel uncomfortable.”
A person might say, “He always has this icy-staring look in his eyes, like he’s judging everyone.”
Another might comment, “Her icy-staring gaze could freeze anyone in their tracks.”

41. Dagger-eyes

This term refers to a scowl or glare that is particularly sharp and intimidating, as if the person is shooting daggers from their eyes.

For instance, someone might say, “She gave me dagger-eyes when I accidentally bumped into her.”
In a confrontation, one person might accuse the other of “giving them dagger-eyes.”
A friend might describe a stranger’s hostile look as “full of dagger-eyes.”

42. Dirty-scowling

Dirty-scowling is a term used to describe a scowl or frown that conveys disapproval or anger. It implies a negative or judgmental expression on someone’s face.

For example, “He was dirty-scowling at me the entire time I was speaking.”
A parent might warn their child, “Stop dirty-scowling at your sister, it’s not nice.”
If someone receives a dirty-scowling look from a stranger, they might wonder, “What did I do to deserve that?”

43. Mean-mugged

Mean-mugged refers to a scowl or glare that is intentionally intimidating or hostile. It implies a menacing expression on someone’s face.

For instance, “He mean-mugged me when I accidentally bumped into him.”
In a confrontation, one person might accuse the other of “mean-mugging” them.
A friend might describe a stranger’s aggressive look as “full of mean-mug.”

44. Dagger eyes

Dagger eyes is a slang term used to describe a scowl or glare that is particularly sharp and intimidating, as if the person is shooting daggers from their eyes.

For example, “She gave me dagger eyes when I accidentally bumped into her.”
In a confrontation, one person might accuse the other of “giving them dagger eyes.”
A friend might describe a stranger’s hostile look as “full of dagger eyes.”