Vocabulary Spotlight
Deadpan
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: Displaying no emotion or expression, often used to create humor through an unaffected, serious demeanor.
“Her deadpan delivery made the joke even funnier, as she kept a completely straight face.”
Pronunciation
[ded-pan]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Unemotional
Blank
Stoic
Straight-faced
Antonyms
Animated
Emotional
Lively
Reacting
Related Words
Deadpan humor (phrase)
Deadpan delivery (phrase)
Word Origin
The term “deadpan” originated in the early 20th century, combining “dead,” meaning without life, and “pan,” a slang term for face. Initially used to describe a blank or emotionless face, it evolved to characterize a particular style of humor where an individual delivers lines in a serious, unaffected manner to create a comedic effect.
Word Family
Verb: Deadpan – To speak or act with a blank, serious expression.
Adjective: Deadpan – Emotionless or blank in expression.
Noun: Deadpan – A style of humor characterized by a straight-faced delivery.
Mnemonics
Think “Dead” + “Pan” (face) – a face with no life or emotion, completely blank.
Another mnemonic: Imagine a “pan” with no food – empty and expressionless, much like a deadpan face.
Industry-specific Usage
Entertainment
In comedy, deadpan humor is used to deliver jokes with a straight face, enhancing the humor by contrasting with the absurdity of the joke.
Film
Actors use deadpan expression to portray characters with dry humor, often making them seem unaffected by unusual situations.
Writing
Authors often use deadpan narration to add humor by describing outrageous events in a straightforward, emotionless manner.
In Context
In social situations, deadpan expressions can convey sarcasm or wit, relying on subtlety to make a point without overt reactions. In academia, deadpan humor is sometimes used by professors or speakers to make a memorable point through irony. In daily life, maintaining a deadpan face can help diffuse tense situations or add humor without breaking composure.