The Awkward white people smile meme is an image template based on a childhood photo of a boy pursing his lips. The format presents a restrained facial expression to represent polite, awkward social acknowledgments. It describes passing strangers on the street or acknowledging acquaintances in hallways.

The template originates from a school portrait of Serbian creator David Vujanić. The photo shows a young boy with his lips pressed into a flat line. Users share the image as a reaction to mild social discomfort and non-verbal greetings. It depicts brief, obligatory interactions where neither person wants to speak.