I’m talking about the sharp intake of breath in surprise that’s common and almost a cliche in fiction, when someone drops a metaphorical bombshell in front of others… Is this universal to all humans, or only specific to some cultures? If it’s universal, I wonder why?
Seems like it would be an evolutionary advantage – gathering air in anticipation of either fight or flight, which are likely reactions to something surprising.
As such, it’s probably common to all humans, regardless of culture.