deadpan
Definition
- Adjective:
- Deliberately impassive in manner: A style of speaking, acting, or humor that is intentionally devoid of emotion, expression, or emphasis. The purpose is often to create a humorous or ironic contrast between the serious delivery and the content.
- Adverb:
- In a deliberately impassive manner: To say or do something without showing any feeling or expression.
Examples
- Adjective:
- She is known for her deadpan delivery, which makes her jokes even funnier.
- The actor's deadpan expression never changed, even during the chaotic scene.
- Adverb:
- He delivered the outrageous news completely deadpan.
- "I've just won the lottery," she said deadpan, waiting for our reaction.
Advanced Usage
- As a narrative technique: A deadpan narrator describes bizarre or emotional events in a flat, unemotional tone, creating a specific literary or comedic effect.
- In contrast to content: The humor in deadpan comedy often arises from the mismatch between the mundane delivery and the absurdity of the statement.
Variants and Related Words
- Deadpan can also function as a verb (less common): means to deliver it in an expressionless way.
- Poker-faced (adj.): Having an impassive expression that reveals nothing, similar to a poker player. This is a close synonym for the adjective form describing a person's expression.
Synonyms
- Adjective: Expressionless, impassive, unexpressive, stoic, blank, poker-faced.
- Adverb: Expressionlessly, impassively, blankly, flatly, without emotion.
Related Idioms/Phrases
- Keep a straight face: To manage not to laugh or smile, which is the essential skill for delivering a deadpan line. ()
Adjective
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deliberately impassive in manner
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deadpan humor
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his face remained expressionless as the verdict was read
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Adverb
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without betraying any feeling
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she told the joke deadpan
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