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Definition
Deadpan; expressionless.
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How it's used
Describes a person who maintains a serious or expressionless face, especially while saying something funny or unexpected. It is frequently used to describe a specific style of humor where the contrast between the serious delivery and the content creates the comedic effect. Unlike formal descriptions of being cold, this usage focuses specifically on the lack of facial expression.
Examples
He is very deadpan when telling jokes.
Why are you being so deadpan?
Related words
Common phrases
deadpan comedian
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe someone who is literally cold or unfriendly, as it specifically refers to the facial expression rather than the personality trait of being aloof or mean.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
