The eyelid pull is a gesture in which the finger is used to pull one lower eyelid further down, exposing more of the eyeball. This gesture has different meanings in different cultures, but in many cultures, particularly in the Mediterranean, signifies alertness, or a warning to be watchful. In the Italian language, one can say occhio (eye), not necessarily with the gesture, to signify the same.
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.Mon œil! The French expression mon œil ! is used to express either incredulous/ironic disbelief, like the English expressions "my foot!" or "yeah, right!", or an almost indignant refusal, as in "no way!" or "ain't gonna happen!" Similar variations of the gesture exist in other European countries, for example Poland or Turkey. The phrase "my eye" is an outdated expression of disbelief in the English language, although without the gesture.Word Wizard: My eye! / My foot! 1842 “Church, MY EYE, woman! church indeed!”—‘Handy Andy’ by S. Lover 1905 “‘Tragic, MY EYE!’ said my friend irreverently.”—in ‘Works’ of O. Henry 1928 “Gentlemen, ME EYE! You’ve got to get over being gentleman if you’re going to play football on my team!”—in ‘Sport’ by Paxton 1929 ‘How about Bigelow's Mill . .. that's a factory.’ ‘Factory MY EYE.’”—‘The Sound and the Fury’ by Faulkner
See also Akanbe, similar gesture in Japan used as a taunt or to express sarcasm
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