Chin is a significant feature of our face. It impacts our appearance hugely. It is the part of the face below the mouth and above the neck of the person. This is also called mental protuberance. Medically, it is known as mentum.
Definition
It is the lower part of the face which lies below the lower lip. Also, it is the prominence of the lower jaw. It is also defined as the surface under or among the branches of the lower jaw.
Function
It provides the jaw with structural support which makes it more resistant to the stress of chewing. As we see that, young children have little chins which promotes the thinking that as a human chews more food the chin is placed under larger stress, and more bone is laid down to recompense. One of its major functions is to help support the jaw against mechanical stresses.
Etymology
This word originates from the Old English cin, cinn akin to Old High Germanic origin related to Dutch kin from an Indo-European root shared by the Latin gena cheek and Greek genus jaw.
Synonyms/ Similar Words
- Button
- Jaw
- Jawbone
- Mandible
- Mentum
- Point
- Cleft chin
In Hindi & Urdu
In Hindi, we call it as ठोड़ी. While in the Urdu language, we call it تھوڑی. In Roman Urdu, it is known as Thori.
Chin Face
Sometimes, it is referred to as chinikin, chinhead, chinman, or chinmonster. It is a performance which is funny involving the mentum of someone. It gives the impression of a distorted face when viewed upside down by drawing or attaching eyes.
Phrases
- Chin music
- Keep one’s chin up
- Double Chin
- Chin-wag
- Chin-up
Types of Chin
There are many types some of which are mentioned below:
1. Square
This type can be considered attractive for both genders. Some people develop a square chin naturally while others may not. However, this type of chin or something similar shape can be achieved by practicing mewing.
2. Short & Narrow
This type is often in the diamond-shaped face. This type appears smaller. It causes the upper lip to look as if it protrudes out unusually.
Now, the question is how we recognize this feature that can depend on other factors such as the shape of the jawline. Your mentum can become attractive with proper exercises.
3. Protruding
This type is also famous as the prominent chin. It has a soft tissue prominence. This feature may cause a variety of difficulties and in some circumstances, people with this type of mentum will have a choice of cosmetic surgery.
4. Double/Round
Also, it is familiar as submental fat. It is a general occurrence that happens when a layer of fat forms under the mentum. Often, it is due to weight gain but can be due to genetics or looser skin resulting from aging.
It can obscure the natural shape and can change the perceived proportions of the face which can cause a less youthful and less attractive appearance.
5. Long
It is also known as macrogenia. It affects facial proportions and makes the face appear bottom-heavy and more male. Women often appeal for the correction of this type to feminize the face to better reflect their identity.
6. Weak Receding
It is a medical condition that causes a considerably weak chin is mandibular retrognathia. Also, it is known as a receding chin.
It is the condition where the lower jaw bone which is popular as the mandible is aligned significantly inwards or slowly withdraws toward the neck instead of protruding outwards.
7. Cleft
People who have this kind of chin have two sides of the lower jaw which do not blend completely and leave a little space or a cleft. Clefts come in a variety of shapes from a vertical or Y-shaped crease to a round dimple.
8. Wide
Generally, men have wider and square chins and women have a narrow and rounded shape of chins. People can change the shape of their chins with surgery if they do not like their natural look. However, a wide mentum is considered masculine and many men want to have this type.
9. Pointy
This type of mentum can build up over time as people age. It forms due to collagen and fat loss among the mentum and lower lip. Specialists use injectable fillers to plump up the lower face as this shape is caused by volume loss in the lower face.
10. Crooked
This type is also famous as a misaligned, deformed, or asymmetrical chin. It describes a condition in which the mentum is not lined up with the middle of the face. This may cause pain, difficulty in chewing or speaking, and insecurity about the appearance.
Examples
- Sara has a pointed chin.
- Ali has a double chin.
- Sana tried to keep his chin up.
- She raised his mentum.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How much the normal chin is?
The normal size is between 0.7 cm to 1.1 cm.
Which shape of the jaw is considered rare?
A cleft chin is considered a rare shape of the mentum.
What can affect the shape of the jaw?
- Bone structure
- Fat issues
- Skin elasticity
Mention the scientific name of the chin.
Mentum is the scientific name.
What is the reason for the jaw surgery?
The reason for the surgery is to correct:
Receding Chin
Chin Misalignment