CultureAugust 15, 2026

deadpan

DED-pan

Definition

A manner of speaking or acting that is deliberately emotionless, impassive, or expressionless, often used to deliver irony or satire.

Etymology

Originating in the early 20th century, the term combines 'dead' (in the sense of emotionless or lifeless) and 'pan' (an old slang term for a person's face), describing a face that shows no reaction.

In the news

In the article, the author describes a song's satirical lyrics about societal failings as being punctuated by a 'deadpan' assurance that 'everything is just great,' highlighting the ironic disconnect between reality and the government's message.

Summer of ’75: Emergency, Hindi Cinema and the India that Changed

Read the full article ↗

thewire.in

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