bitchface: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowColloquial, Slang
Quick answer
What does “bitchface” mean?
A naturally occurring facial expression that is perceived by others as hostile, contemptuous, or unfriendly, regardless of the individual's actual emotional state.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A naturally occurring facial expression that is perceived by others as hostile, contemptuous, or unfriendly, regardless of the individual's actual emotional state.
A colloquial term referring to a person's default, neutral facial expression that appears stern, annoyed, or unwelcoming. Sometimes also used to describe a deliberate expression of contempt or disapproval, especially when directed at someone annoying or foolish.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Concept is identical in both varieties. The term itself originates from and is slightly more prevalent in American English, but is well understood in British English, especially in media-influenced, younger demographics.
Connotations
In both varieties, carries the same casual, slightly irreverent tone. The potential for offensiveness is tied to the acceptability of 'bitch' in context.
Frequency
More frequently encountered in American English (e.g., in pop culture articles, social media). British usage is more likely to be found in informal, youth-oriented contexts or influenced by American media.
Grammar
How to Use “bitchface” in a Sentence
have/be accused of having + bitchfacesuffer from + bitchfacegive someone + bitchfacemake/pull a bitchfaceVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bitchface” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Don't bitchface at me just because your train was delayed.
American English
- She totally bitchfaced him when he suggested splitting the bill unevenly.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly inappropriate and unprofessional. Could constitute harassment if used to describe a colleague.
Academic
Not used in academic writing. Could appear in sociological or linguistic studies on slang, gender, and perception, always in quotation marks.
Everyday
Used in very casual conversation among friends, often humorously. Common in social media captions and memes.
Technical
Not a technical term. Could be referenced informally in fields like psychology (facial perception) or animation (character design).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bitchface”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bitchface”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bitchface”
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Using it as a direct insult ('You have a bitchface!') rather than a self-description or neutral observation.
- Spelling as two separate words: 'bitch face'. The solid compound 'bitchface' is standard for the slang term.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While historically and still most frequently applied to women (due to gendered expectations for facial expression), the term is increasingly used to describe anyone, regardless of gender.
Yes, it is generally considered rude and potentially hurtful. It's a term most appropriately used for self-description or in very casual, understanding company where its humorous intent is clear.
They are essentially synonymous. 'Resting Bitch Face' is the full, most common phrase, often abbreviated to RBF. 'Bitchface' can refer to the same resting state or a momentary expression.
Yes, it has entered several modern, descriptive dictionaries (e.g., Oxford English Dictionary Online, Merriam-Webster Online) due to its significant cultural prevalence, though it is marked as slang or informal.
A naturally occurring facial expression that is perceived by others as hostile, contemptuous, or unfriendly, regardless of the individual's actual emotional state.
Bitchface is usually colloquial, slang in register.
Bitchface: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɪtʃˌfeɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɪtʃˌfeɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Resting Bitch Face (RBF)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a person silently judging a bad idea – their face might involuntarily form a 'bitchface'. It's a 'face' that looks like it's thinking 'what a load of...'
Conceptual Metaphor
THE FACE IS A TEXT (that can be misread). NEUTRALITY IS HOSTILITY.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'bitchface' be MOST appropriate?