Akanbe


Akanbe, also spelled Akkanbee, is a Japanese facial gesture indicating sarcasm but also used as a taunt. It consists of someone pulling down one's lower eyelid to expose the red underside towards someone, often accompanied by the person sticking their tongue out. It is considered an immature taunting gesture.
The use of the term was first mentioned by early 20th century author Katai Tayama, in his 1909 story Inaka Kyōshi, as a gesture used by the male students in the story. In the story, it gives the etymology as a corruption of akai me.

''Mon œil''

In France, the gesture of pulling down one's lower eyelid and saying mon œil, or "my eye", is an expression of disdainful, dismissive disbelief.

''My eye''

The statement "my eye" is also an archaic term of disbelief in English, though without the physical gesture. For example, one may respond to an incredible claim of "That was an accident" with "Accident, my eye!"

''Occhio''

In Italian culture, to say occhio, often gesturing to, touching or indicating own eye, is equivalent to say be careful.