adjective

deadpan

DED-pan

Quiz me More like this

Deadpan (adjective) means Delivered with a completely blank, unsmiling face and a flat voice, so that the joke lands precisely because the speaker gives no sign of joking. Example: “Her deadpan delivery makes the punchline twice as funny.”

adjective

Delivered with a completely blank, unsmiling face and a flat voice, so that the joke lands precisely because the speaker gives no sign of joking.

"Her deadpan delivery makes the punchline twice as funny."

"He has a deadpan sense of humour that people sometimes mistake for rudeness."

adverb

In a flat, expressionless way.

"'I've never enjoyed anything more,' he said deadpan."

verb

To say something funny while keeping a completely straight face.

"'Lovely weather,' she deadpanned, as the roof blew off."

How to use deadpan

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSaying something funny with a totally straight face.

When to use it

Neutral and widely used in criticism and everyday speech. Usually a compliment when applied to comic timing.

Memory tip

Deadpan describes how something is said, not what is said. A deadpan performer can be saying something extremely silly.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

dry humour poker face → sarcasm →

Common pairings

deadpan delivery deadpan humour deadpan expression said deadpan deadpan wit

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like deadpan.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “deadpan” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Her _____ delivery makes the punchline twice as funny.

Etymology

From dead in the sense 'lifeless, without movement' plus pan, old slang for the face.

Origin: English

Synonyms

View more →

straight-faced poker-faced impassive dry expressionless unexpressive

Antonyms

animated expressive hammy

Related words

live active sweet alive dry excited wet wooden

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between deadpan and dry humour?

Deadpan describes the delivery — no expression, no smile, flat tone. Dry humour describes the content — understated, ironic, thrown away rather than pushed. They usually travel together, but you can deliver a broad joke deadpan, and you can deliver dry material with a grin.

What is the difference between deadpan and sarcasm?

Sarcasm means saying the opposite of what you mean, often to sting. Deadpan is a style of delivery that gives nothing away. Sarcasm is frequently deadpan, but a deadpan remark can be entirely sincere in its wording.

Where does the 'pan' in deadpan come from?

Pan was slang for the face, so a deadpan is literally a dead, motionless face. The word arrived in general use through American show business.

What is the meaning of deadpan?

"deadpan" (adjective) means delivered with a completely blank, unsmiling face and a flat voice, so that the joke lands precisely because the speaker gives no sign of joking.

People also searched

live active sweet alive dry excited wet wooden