Resting bitch face. We've all heard the phrase. It refers to the facial expression of someone whose natural appearance seems, well, unapproachable. Specifically when she or he (yes, he, but more on that in a minute) is merely relaxing his or her face.This phenomenon of Resting Bitch Face, shorthand RBF, started off as an oblique insult for a woman whose stand-offish or annoyed look bothered those who thought she should be smiling instead. In other words, it was a ruse to tell a woman that she is being a bitch.
That, however, is less true today. Jason Rogers, author of the study "Throwing Shade: The Science of Resting Bitch Face," explained the reasoning behind the phrase, and his improved version, to Refinery29.
"Being called RBF may be a thinly veiled attempt to call someone mean, or even perpetuate benevolent sexist culture" he told us. "For example,'You’d be so pretty if you smiled more.'"
Beyond the negative connotations of being a bitch, I'm personally indifferent to the comment. I myself have been told (numerous times) that I have #RBF. Enough so that I have been sent this more times than I can count. And, based on Rogers' Resting Bitch Face software, called FaceReader, the people who told me this aren't totally wrong. I sent my picture to him to see if my friends were right.
"I would not say you had RBF," Rogers told me via email, "but FaceReader is seeing the corner of mouth on the left side as pulled slightly." Basically he's saying that my natural face — the one I have when I'm commuting on the subway, waiting in line at Starbucks, or staring at my computer (ahem, right now) — is a face showing both "contempt" and a "neutral" expression.
Here are 19 of the best celebrity Resting Bitch Faces, just so you know you're in good company. Own that RBF. It's the only F you've got.
Kanye West
Notorious for not smiling, West has let it be known that on top of having a resting bitch face, he just prefers not to smile.
Anna Kendrick
The actress is well aware of the bitchy vibes she gives off when she is just giving her smile a rest.
Kristen Stewart
Stewart has become the poster girl for Resting Bitch Face, but it's mostly due to her "whatever"attitude toward most things Hollywood.
January Jones
Her character on Mad Men cemented her status as a major RBFer. The only thing more prevalent than her icy stares are the cigarettes.
Emma Watson
A quick break from smiling on the red carpet sometimes means revealing a bit of one's RBF.
Mark Wahlberg
Look, even Marky Mark's face likes to relax with a touch contempt.
Anna Paquin
It's nothing personal.
Jennifer Carpenter
Sometimes RBF just looks fierce.
Leighton Meester (as Blair Waldorf)
So, this honor is for her role as the Queen Bee of Manhattan on Gossip Girl, but she totally nails it.
Jeremy Renner
Renner's downturned mouth makes the moody stare inevitable.
Karl Lagerfeld
The fashion legend's RBF has become as iconic as his signature shades.
Megan Fox
Her RBF has come in handy for a handful of her movie roles.
Victoria Beckham
The fashion designer and wife of David Beckham has a lot to smile about, but feels no need to waste time doing so.
Rihanna
She could be side-eyeing something she is repulsed by or obsessed with. We will never know.
Cara Delevingne
As a model, she knows how to manipulate her face, but sometimes you just go au naturel, and everyone can deal with it.
Aubrey Plaza
Plaza has fully embraced her RBF. She's even embodying the quintessential RBF in animal form — Grumpy Cat.
Kourtney Kardashian
Kylie's a fan of the pout, and Kim prefers a nude selfie. But Kourtney would rather just stick to her natural RBF.
Bella Hadid
This steely stare is perfect for a photo shoot, but can feel quite intimidating in day-to-day life. But still, work that RBF, Bells.
Johnny Depp
Through his movie roles, Depp proves that a bitchy resting face can be quite versatile.
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