po-faced

[poh-feyst]

adjective

Chiefly British.

1. having an overly serious demeanor or attitude; humorless.

po-faced

adjective

1. (of a person) wearing a disapproving stern expression

Word History and Origins

Origin of po-faced¹

Origin uncertain; perhaps po a chamber pot + -faced, influenced by poker-faced

Word History and Origins

Origin of po-faced¹

C20: possibly from _po + _poker-faced

Example Sentences

Ms. Dimoldenberg asked, prompting Mr. Theroux to launch into his rhymes in what he described as “my slightly po-faced and dry English delivery.”

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“We intend to fulfill our true ambitions and destiny as an independent, developed, prosperous country,” Jamaica’s prime minister, Andrew Holness, said Wednesday as a po-faced William looked on.

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This is what happens when people equate seriousness with worthiness: We get a full slate of earnest, po-faced nominees.

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Half the time I thought I was in some Wes Anderson po-faced sendup of happenings and performance art.

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Off the pitch Russell's playful streak marks him out amid the modern game's po-faced professionalism.

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