The 'Gen Z pout' has emerged as a distinctive facial expression among young celebrities like Lily-Rose Depp and Ariana Greenblatt, characterized by puffy lips and a blank stare. This trend is perceived by some as a display of chic detachment, while others, including Gen Z individuals, criticize it as reminiscent of cartoon characters. Critics like Fatima Shaikh, a 19-year-old TikTok user, argue that the pout can look awkward and unappealing. The pout shares similarities with the 'duck face' popularized in the 2010s but is described by writer Rayne Fisher-Quann as a 'dissociative pout,' meant to convey a sense of disaffection. Social media plays a significant role in promoting these generational labels, sparking discussions about their validity. Young people, like Saee Purohit, have noted that they inadvertently adopt the pout in their posts, highlighting the influence of social media on self-presentation. This trend may also reflect a broader shift in attitudes, as Gen Z seeks to appear authentic rather than overly polished, contrasting with millennial standards of perfection. Ultimately, the 'Gen Z pout' encapsulates the evolving dynamics of youth culture in the digital age.