deadpan
What does "deadpan" mean?
"Deadpan" describes a style of delivery where someone says something completely absurd, funny, or shocking while keeping a perfectly straight, emotionless face. The mental image is of someone staring blankly ahead, refusing to crack a smile even when they know they are being hilarious. You use this word to describe a specific type of dry, ironic humor. It is often used to praise someone’s comedic timing or to describe a situation where it is difficult to tell if a speaker is joking or being serious. You might say, "He delivered the punchline with a deadpan expression."
"deadpan" in conversation
Workplace banter
Did you see the boss's new tie? It looks like a gift shop exploded.
Did you see the boss's new tie? It looks like a gift shop exploded.
I think it’s a bold fashion statement.
I think it’s a bold fashion statement.
Mark is using deadpan delivery, making it unclear if he genuinely likes the tie or is mocking it.
Watching a comedy
That comedian never even changed his expression once.
That comedian never even changed his expression once.
That's his signature deadpan style; it makes everything he says funnier.
That's his signature deadpan style; it makes everything he says funnier.
Deadpan is a common term for comedians who rely on lack of emotion for comedic effect.
"deadpan" in a sentence
She told the joke with a completely deadpan face.
She told the joke with a completely deadpan face.
His deadpan response to the ridiculous question left the whole room in silence.
His deadpan response to the ridiculous question left the whole room in silence.
The actor is renowned for his ability to maintain a deadpan delivery even during the most chaotic slapstick sequences.
The actor is renowned for his ability to maintain a deadpan delivery even during the most chaotic slapstick sequences.
