chap-fallen
Definition
- Adjective:
- Having sunken or fallen cheeks: "chap-fallen" describes a person whose cheeks appear hollow or sagging, often due to fatigue, illness, or age.
- Dejected or dispirited: By extension, "chap-fallen" can mean showing signs of disappointment, sadness, or low morale, as the drooping cheeks are associated with a downcast expression.
Usage Examples
- (Describing a physical appearance of hollow cheeks.)
- (Describing a dejected emotional state.)
Advanced Usage
"to appear chap-fallen": to look visibly discouraged or physically drained.
- The team returned from the lost match, each player appearing chap-fallen and weary. (They showed signs of defeat and exhaustion.)
"chap-fallen expression": a facial expression marked by drooping cheeks and a sad demeanor.
- His chap-fallen expression told me everything I needed to know about the outcome. (His face revealed his disappointment.)
Variants and Related Words
Chop-fallen (adj): an alternate spelling, less common, with the same meaning.
- He sat in the corner, chop-fallen and silent. (He was dejected and quiet.)
Chap (n): the fleshy part of the cheek, often used in older English.
- The cold wind reddened his chaps. (His cheeks became red from the wind.)
Synonyms
- Downcast: feeling sad or dejected.
- Disheartened: having lost confidence or hope.
- Hollow-cheeked: having sunken cheeks, specifically referring to the physical trait.
Related Idioms
To have a long face: to look sad or disappointed, similar to the expression of a chap-fallen person.
- He had a long face after failing the exam. (He looked dejected.)
To look down in the mouth: to appear unhappy or discouraged, often with drooping facial features.
- She looked down in the mouth after the argument. (She looked sad and withdrawn.)