What Are Puppy Dog Eyes?
Puppy dog eyes refers to a facial expression where a person’s eyes appear especially large, rounded, and shiny, like those of a puppy dog. It typically involves widening the eyes, raising the eyebrows, and tilting the head slightly downward. This look conveys a sense of innocence, sadness, or longing. It can be an appeal for affection, forgiveness, or to get what one wants.
The term “puppy dog eyes” is used figuratively to describe the facial expression in humans or in dogs. It does not mean someone’s eyes actually resemble a puppy’s. Rather, it describes the innocent, imploring gaze created by the widened eyes, raised brows, and tilted head.
The look triggers a nurturing response in others. It conveys vulnerability and innocence, often eliciting sympathy, caregiving, or a desire to comfort the person giving the puppy dog eyes. The term is commonly used when someone wants to be petted, pitied, have a favor done for them, or get out of trouble.
Origin of the Term
The term “puppy dog eyes” has been used since at least the mid-1800s to describe the endearing, pleading facial expression that dogs (and other animals like seals) make where their brows are raised and eyes widened. One of the earliest references comes from Charles Dickens’ novel Dombey and Son, originally published in serial form starting in 1846. In Chapter 41, he writes about a dog who “looked up at his master’s face from some imaginary world of love and wagging tail, and patted nose, with soppy eyes that implored him not to insist upon being so flash.” Another early usage is found in Wilkie Collins’ 1859 novel The Woman in White, which references “the puppy-dog eyes of beseeching affection” (https://ckcusa.com/blog/2019/july/the-origin-of-puppy-dog-eyes/).
The term started gaining more popularity in the early 1900s and was commonly used in various newspapers, magazines, and fiction stories when describing the wide-eyed, innocent look that puppies make when begging or seeking attention. Though the exact origin is unclear, it emerged as a set descriptive phrase in the English language by the early 20th century.
Is It a Metaphor?
A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes an object or action in a way that isn’t literally true, but helps explain an idea or make a comparison. Metaphors equate two things that aren’t actually the same, but have some common characteristics.
The expression “puppy dog eyes” can be considered a metaphor. It equates the pleading, innocent look in a dog’s eyes to a similar expression in humans. When someone makes “puppy dog eyes,” they aren’t literally impersonating an adorable puppy, but their eyes convey a sweet, begging quality much like a puppy pleading for a treat or attention. This non-literal similarity is what makes “puppy dog eyes” a metaphorical idiom.
Some key evidence that “puppy dog eyes” is a metaphor:
- It compares two unlike things – human eyes and a puppy’s eyes.
- It is not meant to be taken literally – humans don’t have the exact eyes of a puppy.
- It uses the puppy’s eyes to represent a wider meaning – innocence, pleading, etc.
- It imaginatively conveys this meaning through comparison to a puppy’s expression.
So in summary, the common use of “puppy dog eyes” qualifies it as a metaphorical idiom rather than just a descriptive phrase.
The Science Behind the Look
Researchers have found that dogs have evolved specific facial musculature that allows them to make the “puppy dog eyes” facial expression that humans find appealing. As explained in an article published on SmithsonianMag.com, “dogs have a small muscle above their eyes, the levator anguli oculi medialis, that allows them to raise their inner eyebrows intensely when making eye contact with people” (source). This eyebrow raising causes the eyes to appear larger, giving the “puppy dog eyes” look.
Scientists believe this facial musculature evolved in dogs as they became domesticated, allowing them to better communicate with humans. An EarthSky.org article notes that “dogs developed new muscles around their eyes to appeal to humans” (source). By looking at us with big puppy dog eyes, dogs are essentially manipulating us through this cute expression that we find hard to resist. So the “puppy dog eyes” look seems to have evolved in dogs specifically for bonding with and soliciting reactions from humans.
Impact on Humans
The “puppy dog eyes” look has a profound psychological impact on humans. According to a Burges petcare article, when dogs make this facial expression, it triggers a nurturing response in people. We instinctively want to care for the dog and alleviate any distress they may be feeling. This is due to our tendency as humans to be empathetic, especially towards creatures that resemble babies or infants. The big eyes and raised brows of the puppy dog look tap into our perceptions of cuteness and vulnerability.
There is also evidence that seeing puppy dog eyes causes the release of oxytocin in humans. Oxytocin is known as the “love hormone” or “cuddle chemical” and promotes feelings of affection, calmness, and connection. A 2019 study found increased oxytocin levels in owners after interacting with their dogs who made sustained eye contact. The puppy dog look seems to have a similar effect, enhancing human-animal bonding.
Use By Dogs
Certain dog breeds are more prone to making “puppy dog eyes” due to their facial structure and expressive eyebrows. Breeds like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Pugs, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels often display puppy eyes to elicit a desired response from their human owners. Dogs tend to employ the puppy dog look when they want something, like food or attention. It’s an inherent trait in dogs that they have learned taps into human empathy. By widening their eyes and raising their brows, dogs can give the appearance of sadness, triggering a nurturing response in people.
Use By Babies
It’s no coincidence that babies often have a beguiling, puppy-dog-eyed appearance. There is in fact a facial similarity between babies and puppies owing to their large eyes, high and rounded forehead, and pudgy cheeks.[1](https://www.pinterest.com/granny2780/puppy-dog-eyes/) The baby’s endearing wide-eyed facial expression serves an important purpose in their social and emotional development by eliciting protective and nurturing responses in adults. The vulnerable appearance compels adults to care for, provide for, and attend to the baby’s needs. This is an innate survival mechanism observed in many mammalian species including puppies and human babies.
Use By Adults
Adults also employ “puppy dog eyes” as a tactic to influence or persuade others. Studies show women are more likely to make the facial expression, widening their eyes and raising their eyebrows to appear childlike and endearing [1]. This works by triggering a nurturing response in the other person. There is an evolutionary basis, as the look resembles a child asking for care from a parent.
Men can also produce the puppy dog eye look, but do so more subtly, often lowering rather than raising the brow. Researchers note adult use of the expression manipulates innate preferences to care for those who appear young and helpless. However, it is an attempt to influence others by evoking instincts meant for true infants in need.
Cultural References
The puppy dog eyes look has become a popular cultural reference, often showing up in media, literature, songs, and everyday conversations. Writers and artists use it as a shorthand to convey a pleading, innocent, or sad look from a character.
For example, in the song “Puppy Dog Eyes” by pop artist Ava Max, she sings “I give you puppy dog eyes/You still don’t pay me any mind.” This uses the term to mean a begging, desperate look trying to win someone’s affection.
In the book series “The Mortal Instruments” by Cassandra Clare, a character named Simon uses puppy dog eyes to try and get Isabelle to go out with him. The author relies on readers’ familiarity with the term to paint a quick picture of his pleading, earnest expression.
Overall, “puppy dog eyes” has become embedded in the cultural lexicon, allowing creative professionals to tap into the strong visual image it evokes through subtle references. When used effectively, just mentioning “puppy dog eyes” can say a lot about a character and their emotions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the term “puppy dog eyes” refers to the distinctive facial expression dogs (and other animals/humans) make when looking sad or seeking attention. While this look may feel metaphorical when a dog gives you big pleading eyes, the science shows there are real anatomical reasons behind the facial movements that trigger caregiving instincts in people.
When examining if “puppy dog eyes” is a true metaphor, we find that the term is not based on an implicit comparison – it is meant literally to describe a dog’s eye expression, not symbolically compare it to something else. However, the look itself does metaphorically represent emotions like sadness, pleading, innocence etc. So in summary, while “puppy dog eyes” is not a metaphorical idiom or expression, the underlying facial expression dogs make carries deeper emotional meanings.