poker face

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "poker face" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or person in which or who is displaying a neutral expression so that their feelings or motives are not visible. For example, "She wore a poker face throughout the entire meeting, so it was impossible to guess what she was thinking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Poker Face.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Great poker face.

The New York Times - Sports

A POKER face.

The Economist

Keep a poker face.

Independent

Talk about a poker face.

The New York Times

Poker Face … oh!

The Guardian - Music

Just as quickly, his poker face returned.

The New York Times - Sports

"They have a good poker face.

The New York Times - Sports

7) Have a poker face.

The Guardian - Sport

You should see my poker face.

The New York Times - Arts

She pretty much has no poker face".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone maintaining a "poker face" in a professional setting, emphasize the strategic advantage it provides in negotiations or sensitive discussions.

Common error

Avoid assuming that someone with a "poker face" is necessarily being dishonest or malicious. It might simply be their natural demeanor or a way to manage their emotions in a challenging situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "poker face" functions primarily as a noun, describing an expressionless face that hides one's true emotions, often in situations requiring composure or deception. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it's used to describe individuals maintaining a neutral demeanor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

19%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

6%

Academia

6%

Reference

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The expression "poker face" is a very common noun phrase used to describe an expressionless face that hides one's true emotions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it can be considered neutral in register, suggesting its appropriateness across various situations, from formal to informal, remember that misinterpreting a "poker face" can lead to wrong assumptions about the other person's true intentions. Maintaining one can be a strategic move in professional contexts. Related phrases like "expressionless face" or "deadpan expression" can be used as alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

neutral expression

Describes a facial expression that shows no emotion.

expressionless face

A straightforward synonym emphasizing the absence of expression.

unreadable expression

Emphasizes the difficulty in understanding the person's thoughts or feelings.

deadpan expression

Focuses specifically on the lack of emotion in the facial expression.

stone-faced

Uses a metaphor to describe a rigid and emotionless face.

impassive countenance

Uses more formal language to describe a face that reveals no feelings.

keeping a straight face

Highlights the act of consciously suppressing laughter or amusement.

blank stare

Highlights the emptiness and lack of comprehension in the gaze.

masking emotions

Shifts the focus to the act of hiding feelings, rather than the facial expression itself.

hiding one's feelings

Focuses on concealing emotions rather than the facial expression.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "poker face" in a sentence?

Use "poker face" to describe someone who maintains a neutral and unexpressive face, especially when trying to conceal their true feelings. For example, "Despite the shocking news, she maintained a perfect poker face."

What are some synonyms for "poker face"?

Alternatives include "deadpan expression", "impassive countenance", or "expressionless face", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "poker face" in formal writing?

While "poker face" is widely understood, consider using more formal alternatives like "impassive" or "reserved" in academic or highly professional contexts if you wish to maintain a strictly formal tone.

What does it mean when someone has a "poker face"?

Having a "poker face" typically means someone is intentionally or unintentionally masking their emotions, making it difficult to discern their true thoughts or feelings from their facial expressions.