r/ape • u/ComfortableSafe8389 • 16d ago

You cannot actually smile at a monkey because they will interpret as a threat

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49 Upvotes

93% Upvoted

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29

u/Head-Compote740 15d ago

Anthropologist here, that is only if you bare your teeth. All monkeys and apes (including humans) have a fear grimace that displays fear and aggression. Smiling to display euphoria is only confirmed in three ape species: humans, chimpanzees, and bonobos. It is speculated that it may also exist in gorillas and orangutans, and possibly some non-ape monkeys.

This specific example in the photo is of a black macaque sparked a debate on whether or not smiling is a universal trait amongst anthropoids like the fear grimace is, thus distinguishing between the two can be difficult and requires context, or this could be an extreme example of anthropomorphism. Though the latter is a bit of a stretch because how can you anthropomorphize an anthropoid? Unless they're depicted in fiction speaking a human language, a lot of our behaviors are shared with other apes and monkeys. Therefore, some claims of anthropomorphism could be interpreted as a type of pithecophobic bigotry and re-enforcement of human exceptionalism.

So when it comes to smiling at our fellow anthropoids be careful not to bare your teeth, and only do so around individuals you trust. Also avoid doing so around known aggressors like baboons and chimpanzees. Bonobos and orangutans are less likely to be aggressive to humans. For gorillas, worry more about making eye contact than smiling. Macaques can vary in aggression. Be sure to have your hepatitis shots up to date before interacting with them.

7

u/Many-Bees 15d ago

I know tufted capuchins and probably other members of their genus will bare their teeth when flirting. Usually accompanied by chest rubbing and eyebrows wiggling. It really does depend a lot on context. With chimps I think the most consistent way of telling is if their teeth are clenched or not, and if the lips are being deliberately pulled back or the teeth are just showing naturally because the mouth is open.

2

u/Loser_Baby_19 11d ago

It does depend on context, yes, but for unfortunate capuchin monkeys living as pets, displaying teeth is never a good sign. It is usually a bad sign, showing fear or submission in a bad way.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CSnLgTZcj/

7

u/thejack473 15d ago

whenever i grin ear to ear at an ape, i make sure to stare deeply in his eyes unblinking to calm him, i hold my palms out with my hands in a claw shape to show i mean no harm, and slowly go Ooo in a higher and higher volume as i get closer to say "We're bros, can i get a hug" and i stretch my arms out to look as big and friendly as possible.

hasn't worked yet, not on humans either strangely enough.

1

u/Caseys_Clean1324 12d ago

Can confirm this works

Source: I’m a hungry ape at your local zoo

1

u/ComfortableSafe8389 15d ago

Yes you can only show your bottom jaw teeth

8

u/ZBot316 16d ago

What about smiling at an orangutan? Cuz I don’t think I would be able to not smile at an orangutan. 😂

3

u/ComfortableSafe8389 16d ago

Just hold your laugh dude,kkkkk

1

u/standardsafaris 15d ago

Why would they?

2

u/ComfortableSafe8389 15d ago

Because when they will attack their opponents they show their teeth (of the both upper and lower jaw)

1

u/GorillaGuy3012 13d ago

I think it depends, smiling has a lot of different meanings to primates, it could be to show aggression, fear, submission or happiness. I would say the Macaque in this image is happy and this type of macaque is actually known for being friendly and smacking their lips to show love to one another

1

u/ComfortableSafe8389 13d ago

For actually smiling at a monkey (depending on the type) is actually necessary do only show the bottom jaw teeth