Deadpan: meaning, definitions and examples
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deadpan
[ˈdɛdˌpæn ]
Definitions
comedy
Deliberately impassive or expressionless, often with a dry or sarcastic sense of humor.
Synonyms
expressionless, impassive, stoic, stone-faced.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| deadpan |
Used when someone says something funny or sarcastic without showing any emotion.
|
| expressionless |
Describes a face that shows no emotion or reaction, typically in a context where some reaction might be expected.
|
| impassive |
Refers to being calm and not showing any emotion, especially in situations where strong feelings might normally be shown.
|
| stoic |
Describes someone who endures pain or hardship without showing emotions; often reflects a philosophical approach to life.
|
| stone-faced |
Used to describe someone who has a serious, unchanging facial expression, often in situations requiring formality or control.
|
Examples of usage
- She delivered the punchline with a deadpan expression.
- His deadpan delivery always cracks me up.
- The comedian's deadpan style of humor is so unique.
- It's hard to tell if he's serious or just being deadpan.
- I love her deadpan delivery, it's so dead-on.
acting
A style of acting or comedy in which the performer delivers lines in a flat, expressionless manner.
Synonyms
blank-faced, dry humor, straight-faced.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| deadpan |
Used to describe a type of humor or delivery where the person does not show any emotion or change in facial expression, creating a contrast with the humorous content. Often found in comedy routines and performances.
|
| straight-faced |
Refers to a person maintaining a neutral and serious facial expression, often while telling a joke or making a sarcastic remark. This can be used in various settings, from casual conversations to formal situations.
|
| blank-faced |
Describes someone whose face does not show any feelings, expressions, or reactions. It can be used in both neutral and negative contexts depending on the situation.
|
| dry humor |
This phrase refers to a type of humor where the joke is delivered in a matter-of-fact tone, without any indications that it is a joke. It's often subtle and can be missed if you are not paying close attention.
|
Examples of usage
- She is known for her deadpan in comedic roles.
- His deadpan is perfect for this character.
- The actor's deadpan adds a unique charm to the performance.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term 'deadpan' originated in the 1920s in the United States, combining 'dead' (emotionless) with 'pan' (face).
- Originally, 'pan' was a slang term for face, hence the name for a serious expression.
- Before 'deadpan' became common, the phrase 'flat as a pancake' was used to describe a similar concept of showing no emotions.
Pop Culture
- Comedians like Steven Wright and the late Mitch Hedberg are famous for their deadpan humor, delivering lines with a straight face and often absurd punchlines.
- The character of Sheldon Cooper from TV show 'The Big Bang Theory' often uses deadpan humor, creating humorous situations by reacting seriously to silly things.
- Deadpan delivery is a key style in shows like 'Saturday Night Live,' with many skits relying on characters not breaking their serious demeanor.
Psychology
- Using deadpan can create a contrast that emphasizes the humor in a joke, making it more impactful.
- Research in psychology suggests that humor delivered in a deadpan manner can often take the audience by surprise, leading to greater amusement.
- Individuals with a knack for deadpan humor can effectively engage others by creating a mix of tension and relief in comedic settings.
Literature
- Authors like Douglas Adams and P.G. Wodehouse have effectively employed deadpan humor in their writing, showcasing characters who navigate absurd situations with serious attitudes.
- In literature, deadpan narratives often contrast the typical emotional engagement usually found in storytelling, prompting readers to think critically.
- The use of deadpan can highlight characters’ quirks, making their interactions more memorable and relatable.
Theatre & Film
- Deadpan performances are prevalent in film noir, often portraying characters with serious expressions in darkly comedic circumstances.
- Many actors, including Bill Murray and Leslie Nielsen, have mastered the art of deadpan, creating iconic moments in both comedy and drama.
- Visual comedy, such as that seen in silent films, often relied on a deadpan expression to maximize the impact of physical humor.
Translations
Translations of the word "deadpan" in other languages:
🇵🇹 cara séria
🇮🇳 गंभीर चेहरा
🇩🇪 ernstes Gesicht
🇮🇩 wajah datar
🇺🇦 серйозний вираз
🇵🇱 poważna twarz
🇯🇵 無表情
🇫🇷 visage impassible
🇪🇸 cara seria
🇹🇷 ciddi yüz
🇰🇷 무표정
🇸🇦 وجه جاد
🇨🇿 vážná tvář
🇸🇰 vážna tvár
🇨🇳 面无表情
🇸🇮 resen obraz
🇮🇸 alvarlegt andlit
🇰🇿 қатал бет
🇬🇪 სერიოზული სახე
🇦🇿 ciddi sifət
🇲🇽 cara seria