Tips for Buying Well: The Science Behind Body Language

Kinesics is the discipline that studies body movement and its relation to non-verbal communication. It does not predict or decide with whom to pair up, despite what a viral tweet suggests.

## What kinesics is and what it is not

Kinesics is the study of body movements as part of non-verbal communication. Coined by anthropologist **Ray Birdwhistell** in the 1950s, it analyzes gestures, postures, eye contact, and interpersonal distance.

It is not a force pushing anyone into another's arms. It is a descriptive tool. Confusing it with an affective decision-making mechanism is a leap the discipline does not support.

## The tweet that mixes levels

A post on **X** states: “Me falling straight into the arms of a chakal because my body spoke kinesiologically.” The term “chakal” is used in Spain to refer to someone with street style. The phrase attributes a sentimental decision to kinesics.

The body does not “speak kinesiologically” to choose a partner. Kinesics describes how someone moves, not who they choose. Attributing this capability is a segarro license, not a scientific fact.

## Why this confusion matters

When a technical discipline is used as an excuse to justify attraction, it loses its content. Kinesics has serious applications: interview analysis, detecting discomfort in interrogations, and improving communication in work teams.

None of this includes a pairing mechanism. Desire is not explained by body movement. If someone wants to understand why they are attracted to another person, kinesics is not the right manual.