moustache-twirling

== English == === Alternative forms === mustache twirling, mustache-twirling, moustache twirling === Etymology === The act being a visual trope in film parodies of villains from 19th century melodrama. === Pronunciation === === Noun === moustache-twirling (plural moustache-twirlings) (colloquial, figurative) Behavior associated with villainy. (literal) An instance of twirling one's moustache. === See also === pantomime villain