game face

American  

[geym feys] / ˈgeɪm ˌfeɪs /

noun

1. a neutral or intense facial expression that suggests a focus on winning, as in a competitive sport or card game.

   The game faces at this poker tournament are as unflinching as stone.

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Etymology

Origin of game face

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Raleigh said after the Arozarena snub that he meant no disrespect to his teammate and that he’s simply trying to put on a game face for an international competition.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

As they move, their screens light up with different colors — crossing into “Winter Caverns” changes their game face to blue.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 28, 2025

Rodgers finished the game face down on the turf after a failed final play that ended with him throwing a lateral out of bounds.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 23, 2022

But as a player, I can see her game face, and it was tense when she played.

From BBC • Jul. 6, 2022

"We got it, Coach," Mikey said, putting on his game face.

From "Patina" by Jason Reynolds