Deadpan
/ˈdɛd.pæn/noun
A style of humor delivered with a deliberately emotionless or serious expression.
Did you know?The term 'deadpan' emerged in the 1920s and is believed to have originated from the idea of a 'dead face'—an expression devoid of emotions, almost ghostly in its stillness.
Etymological Timeline
19th Century
English
dead face
“Referring to an expressionless visage, evoking a sense of lifelessness.”
1920s
English
deadpan
“Coined to describe a style of humor where the performer maintains a serious demeanor.”
20th Century
English
deadpan
“Became widely recognized in comedic circles, symbolizing irony and absurdity.”
Modern English
English
deadpan
“Continues to denote a humor style that contrasts starkly with the content's absurdity.”