Why do we say ‘poker face’ and other popular expressions? Here are 3 idioms and their origins
Popular phrases like 'save face' and 'long face' have longstanding meanings
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With thousands upon thousands of words in the English language, some are bound to have different meanings and uses.
An idiom is defined as "an expression in the usage of a language that is peculiar to itself either in having a meaning that cannot be derived from the conjoined meanings of its elements in its grammatically atypical use of words," according to Merriam-Webster.
Some popular sayings in the metaphorical vein include "cat got your tongue" and "under the weather."
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Many idioms, however, focus on words about the human body — and particularly, the face.
But why do we say these? What do they really mean?
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And where did they originate?
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Here are three "face-focused" idioms and their intriguing meanings and origins.
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3 popular sayings about the face
1. ‘Poker face’
The phrase "poker face" is often used to describe the expression people are showing (or not showing) on their face in a given moment.
In the game of poker, the goal is to not let other players know the cards you have.
To have a "poker face" is to be as stoic and unrevealing as possible to ensure you aren’t hinting or spilling the beans about the cards you hold.
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The phrase might also be used when someone is thought to be lying.
"Your poker face isn’t great."
A person might say, "Your poker face isn’t great" — meaning the person is giving away too much about their secret.
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The term is thought to have originated in the 1870s in terms of the game, though it's been popular for years.
In 2008, Lady Gaga released a song called "Poker Face" — which won Gaga a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording.
2. ‘Save face’
The idiom "save face" is often used when someone is trying to avoid humiliation or embarrassment.
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Merriam-Webster says it means "to avoid having other people lose respect for oneself."
The phrase is thought to have origins in Chinese culture — along with the phrase "lose face," which has a similar meaning.
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For example, people might say they had a chance to "save face" by quitting an unsuccessful endeavor or an effort — and hinting that by doing so, they would have eliminated humiliation.
3. ‘Long face’
A "long face" as a popular expression means someone has a sad-looking appearance.
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For example, one might ask a friend, "Why the long face?"
This would acknowledge that the person appears upset or unhappy.
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A long face is described as "an unhappy or gloomy expression" by Dictionary Online.
The earliest known use of the phrase was recorded in the mid-1700s through philosophical transactions, notes the Oxford English Dictionary.