Where does the term "Say Cheese" come from when taking portrait pictures?
I can understand instructing people to smile, but why "Cheese"?
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Where does the term "Say Cheese" come from?
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I believe the use of "cheese" in the phrase is because of the position it puts the subject's mouth in. Mouth the word "cheese" slowly and you will notice that the ending "e" or "uh" sound puts the corners of your mouth in a smile.
answered Apr 17 '17 at 13:34
William Anderson
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People like their portrait when they are depicted smiling. Uttering words with the long ‘e’ sound does the trick. Watch the birdie and booby and cheese forces us to show our teeth with a smile.
answered Apr 17 '17 at 13:52
Alan Marcus
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I believe the use of "cheese" in the phrase is because of the position it puts the subject's mouth in. Mouth the word "cheese" slowly and you will notice that the ending "e" or "uh" sound puts the corners of your mouth in a smile.
answered Apr 17 '17 at 13:34
William Anderson
1292 bronze badges
1292 bronze badges
Here is a great explanation of it in detail and its history - todayifoundout.com/index.php/2013/04/… - thebtm Apr 17 '17 at 18:30
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