straight face: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2 (Upper Intermediate)Informal to neutral. Common in spoken and written narrative, and casual conversation.
Quick answer
What does “straight face” mean?
An expression on one's face that shows no emotion, especially when one is making a joke or saying something surprising, funny, or not true.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An expression on one's face that shows no emotion, especially when one is making a joke or saying something surprising, funny, or not true.
The ability or act of maintaining a serious, neutral, or expressionless demeanor to conceal one's true feelings, amusement, or deception.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both varieties use the term identically.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties, associated with wit, self-control, or deceit.
Frequency
Equally common and idiomatic in both UK and US English.
Grammar
How to Use “straight face” in a Sentence
[Subject] keep/maintain a straight face (while [verb+ing]/when [clause])[Subject] say/tell [something] with a straight faceVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “straight face” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He **straight-facedly** delivered the absurd pun, awaiting our groans.
American English
- She **straight-faced** her way through the entire ridiculous interview. (Informal, quasi-verb use).
adverb
British English
- He said it **straight-faced**, leaving us unsure if he was joking.
American English
- "The printer is powered by hamsters," he explained **straight-facedly**.
adjective
British English
- He gave a **straight-faced** denial to the obvious accusation.
American English
- Her **straight-faced** performance in the comedy sketch was brilliant.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"He presented the unrealistic sales forecast with a completely straight face, which was impressive."
Academic
Rare in formal academic prose, but possible in descriptions of historical figures or literary analysis: "The character delivers his satirical lines with a masterful straight face."
Everyday
"I tried to tell her the ridiculous story, but I couldn't keep a straight face."
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “straight face”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “straight face”
- Using it as an adjective alone: 'He was very straight face.' (INCORRECT) -> 'He had a very straight face.' (CORRECT).
- Confusing it with 'straightforward', which means honest/direct.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is usually neutral. It can be positive (showing witty self-control) or slightly negative (associated with deceit or a 'poker face' in bluffing), depending entirely on context.
No, not typically. 'Straight face' implies a *deliberate* act of controlling one's expression in a specific situation. For a person who is generally serious, use 'serious expression' or 'solemn face'.
They are very close synonyms. 'Poker face' originates from card games and strongly emphasises hiding *all* emotions to bluff. 'Straight face' is broader and more common, often specifically about hiding amusement or surprise.
The most common and natural collocation is 'keep a straight face' (e.g., 'I couldn't keep a straight face').
An expression on one's face that shows no emotion, especially when one is making a joke or saying something surprising, funny, or not true.
Straight face is usually informal to neutral. common in spoken and written narrative, and casual conversation. in register.
Straight face: in British English it is pronounced /ˌstreɪt ˈfeɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌstreɪt ˈfeɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “keep a straight face (is itself an idiom)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a ruler (which is STRAIGHT) held in front of your FACE, forcing your smile into a flat, emotionless line.
Conceptual Metaphor
EMOTION/REACTION IS A PHYSICAL FORCE (that must be kept 'straight' or controlled); SINCERITY/HONESTY IS STRAIGHT (a 'straight face' ironically conceals a 'crooked' or humorous intention).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'to keep a straight face' mean?