Deadpan Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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deadpan
[หdษdหpรฆn ]
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.
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| expressionless |
Describes a face that shows no emotion or reaction, typically in a context where some reaction might be expected.
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| impassive |
Refers to being calm and not showing any emotion, especially in situations where strong feelings might normally be shown.
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| 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.
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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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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 charactersโ 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.
Origin of 'deadpan'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The term 'deadpan' originated in the United States in the early 20th century and is believed to come from the combination of 'dead' (meaning lifeless or dull) and 'pan' (possibly referring to the face). The word has since evolved to describe a style of delivery in acting and comedy that emphasizes a lack of emotional expression.
See also: dead, deadbeat, deaden, deadline, deadliness, deadlock, deadly, deadness, undead.