The idiom “crying crocodile tears” symbolizes insincere sorrow, but science reveals crocodile tears are a biological response, not emotional. The tears help lubricate their eyes, triggered by jaw movements and environmental factors, debunking myths linking tears to actual crocodile sadness.
The age-old idiom “crying crocodile tears” refers to feigned or insincere emotions, originating from the observation that crocodiles appear to weep while eating their prey. However, scientific studies disprove any link between crocodile tears and genuine emotional states. Crocodiles do produce tears, but these serve a physiological purpose—lubricating their eyes when on land or during intense jaw movements, especially while feeding.
Research indicates that pressure on the tear glands caused by jaw action stimulates tear secretion, but this is not connected to sadness or remorse. Unlike humans, who cry due to emotional triggers like grief or joy, crocodilian tears are purely biological and for eye protection.
The myth dates back to antiquity, with literature and folklore from Plutarch to medieval texts propagating the idea of crocodiles shedding fake tears. Modern science has clarified that while crocodile tears are real, they do not reflect emotional states, highlighting the unique human trait of emotional crying.
Sources: Times of India, Wikipedia, Indian Express, Madras Courier, Moneycontrol