chin-stroking
noun phrase

- the action of stroking one's chin, esp. while deliberating or reflecting on a question.

Oxford English Dictionary

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ORIGIN

First seen in print in the The Morning Post, in 1860: “Dancing has its stupid conventionalities like every other art—its chin-stroking, and running about upon tip-toes, for instance.”

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Chin stroking is a gesture made popular by modern media. The stereotypical chin-stroker is old, wise and bearded! Beard or chin stroking signifies that the thinking process has begun,… but that a decision hasn’t yet been made.

Pop psychology suggests how to predict a positive or negative outcome:

If, following the chin-stroke the hand comes down and across the body at right angles, expect a negative answer.

But if the hand comes forward and is placed on the thighs in a ready posture, or the arms remains uncrossed, expect a positive answer.

Make your own experience dear Reader. In these days of Zoom & Co. the chin- or beard-stroke is an easy thing to notice, but less so the outcome, as the hand drops out of sight.

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SYNONYMS for contemplate

consider, contemplate, mull over, ponder, weigh, deliberate, excogitate, ruminate, brood over, chew over, meditate on, muse over, reflect upon

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SMUGGLE OWAD into a conversation, say something like:

“Hey Jim, did you see the chairman’s CHIN-STROKE when you asked for his opinion. I think he’s still undecided.”

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