What is Glasgow Smile?

Hugo also described this in his historical novel The Man Who Laughs. Briefly, it can be understood that in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries, the Comprachicos bought children, then, by sophisticated methods, disfigured their appearance. Subsequently, They became circus performers, played and entertained the crowd at the yards and at the kings'.

In the novel, Hugo tells exactly about the difficult fate of Gwynplaine, who was disfigured by comprachicos in early childhood. "The Man Who Laughs" was the nickname by which Gwynplaine became famous. Under this nickname his real name, almost unknown to anyone, disappeared, just as his real face disappeared under the mask of laughter "
Brilliant novel, I advise everyone to read it.

Actor Tommy Flanagan (known for his roles in the films Gladiator, The Game, Sin City, etc.) was attacked in his youth, and received "CHELSEA'S SMILE" (Glasgow Smile).

Glasgow smile , or Chelsea smile (English Glasgow smile, Chelsea grin, Chelsea smile) - wounds on the face caused by a knife or other sharp object from the corners of the mouth and almost from ear to ear. After healing, ugly scars are left on the cheeks that resemble a wide smile. The method of inflicting such injuries appeared in Glasgow in a criminal environment, then the "smile" was adopted by the Chelsea football fans "Chelsea Headhunters". Often, shallow wounds are inflicted that do not completely cut the cheeks but leave serious scars.