Guide Note

The term Bershon has been used to describe a particular type of facial expression in which a person conveys a mixture of embarrassment, boredom, disgust, sulkiness, indifference, and disdain at their current situation (usually in the context of being photographed). Bershon can often be identified in pictures of adolescents and teenagers who have been photographed in various states of awkwardness and self-pitying resentment - although Bershon can be seen in people of all ages.

Fast Facts

1. Popularized by blogger Sarah Brown
2. Spelling: either Bershon or Bershaun
3. Pronunciation: BURR-shawn
4. Can be either a Noun or an Adjective
5. Ugly Holiday Sweaters are one of the most common triggers of Bershon
6. One of the most famous examples of Bershon is Robert Frank's photo "Elevator, Miami Beach" (1958).
7. In order to avoid confusion, blogger Michael Bierut has come up with a list of things that aren't Bershon
8. Sarah Brown is also the host of a monthly reading series called CRINGE

While the exact origin of the term is unknown, its emergence onto the cultural radar came due to a post by blogger Sarah Brown in which she recounted her own experiences with and understanding of the word. Discussions on the exact nature and validity of the word have since made the rounds online - even spawning a flickr group where members can upload their own precious Bershon moments. The growth in popularity and interest in the word (as well as the rush of people offering up their own Bershon pictures) have caused it to take on many of the characteristics of a Meme.