po-faced

Thân thiện

A teacher gives a po-faced look to a student passing a note.

Definition

Adjective: * Humorless and disapproving: Showing or characterized by a stern, humorless, and censorious attitude. A person who is po-faced appears serious, unsmiling, and often judgmental, especially in situations where humor or lightheartedness might be expected.

Usage

The word "po-faced" is used to describe a person's expression, demeanor, or reaction. It strongly implies a lack of amusement, a refusal to engage with humor, and a tendency to moralistic disapproval. It often carries a critical or negative connotation, suggesting the person is being unnecessarily stern or priggish.

Examples

• The manager's po-faced response to the team's harmless joke dampened the office atmosphere.
• She listened to his silly story with a po-faced expression, refusing to even smile.
• The critic gave the satirical film a po-faced review, completely missing its comedic intent.

Advanced Usage

• Cultural Context: The term is more common in British English than in American English. Its origin is uncertain but may relate to "po," a childish term for chamber pot, implying a face as humorless as a pot.
• Nuance: While similar to "stern" or "serious," "po-faced" specifically highlights a censorious or prudish element, often in reaction to something playful or irreverent.

Synonyms

• Stern: Very serious and strict.
• Solemn: Formal and dignified, lacking cheerfulness.
• Prim: Feeling or showing disapproval of anything regarded as improper; stiffly correct.
• Prudish: Easily shocked by matters related to sex or nudity.
• Stony-faced: Showing no emotion; impassive.

Antonyms

• Jovial: Cheerful and friendly.
• Mirthful: Full of mirth; merry.
• Lighthearted: Cheerful and carefree.
• Amused: Finding something funny or entertaining.

Related Words

• Disapproval (n): The expression of an unfavorable opinion.
• Sober-faced (adj): Having a serious facial expression. (Less judgmental than "po-faced").
• Grim (adj): Very serious or gloomy. (Can imply severity rather than just humorlessness).

Học thuật

Adjective

1. humorless and disapproving