Why do some people stick their tongue out when concentrating?

Question

I do it. A lot of other people do it too. Most don't even realise they're doing it until someone else points it out. It does seem to affect concentration. Why? Is there some rational, scientific reason for doing it?

Answer 1

When you are concentrating on something, you are using the hemisphere of the brain also used for processing motor input. It's also noticeable that some people walk more slowly when they are thinking of something difficult. This is caused by interference from the two activities fighting for the same bit of brain to process them. By biting your lip or sticking your tongue out, you are suspending motor activity and keeping your head rigid, to minimise movement and hence interference.

For the same reason that women open their mouths when applying mascara.

Answer 2

It is a focus trick, do you bite down on it too the more you concentrate? Somehow by doing things like this it helps in pointing your brain at what you are really trying to focus on, I think it removes other distractions because the side of the brain that is open to distractions is concentrating on the tongue.

For preference I chew pens when concentrating, but REALLY chew them and don't even realise until I have a destroyed pen in my hand at the end.

Answer 3

Often stress caused by concentration causes an adrenaline boost in the body which in turn can make our mouth and lips dry. Sticking your tongue out can re-hydrate your lips, and so this is what quite a few people do when concentrating hard. Im not sure if I do it :-P

Answer 4

Is it to do with your concentrating so hard that the rest of your body relaxes because you are not thinking about it at all. With your head looking down, your lips and tongue relaxed it natural that your tongue would fall slightly out of your mouth, rather than actually being 'stuck out' by the person.,

Answer 5

I don't know but my son stuck his tongue out for the first 9 months of his life! It was premanently on display and I don't think he was concentrating on very much!

Answer 6

it is just represents the excitation of mind. my class mate pluck his hair when he is concentrating on some point. i also noticed some people moving their leg in this situation.u can resolve it with selfcontrol.

Answer 7

I like it when people stop moving when concentrating ^_^

Answer 8

lol. I don't know whether i do it. Im going to ask someone next time i concentrate

Answer 9

most people do things without realising it, its also called a bad habit, like chewing your lower lip, twirling hair around your finger, tapping a pen etc.

Answer 10

MY PARTNER DOES IT..SO DOES HIS DAD....LOOKS SO UGLY WHILE HE'S DOING IT TOO.