pout

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pout" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a facial expression that conveys displeasure or sulkiness, often characterized by protruding lips. Example: "When she didn't get her way, she crossed her arms and began to pout."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Labour politician Roy Mason, who has died aged 91, was a small and dapper but pugnacious man, proud of his mining heritage, whose characteristic pout of the lips before delivering a bon mot could set most latterday National Union of Mineworkers gatherings and any Irish nationalists quivering with rage.

The Guardian

It's when you attempt a subtle pout, often while angling the camera down your face so that you get your cleavage in shot, but overdo it to such a hideous extent that you end up resembling your own granny lurching in for a kiss.

The Guardian - Tech

Retrieving the phone from Nanni, he photographed himself in front of the Curva Sud, just about managing to squeeze his duck pout into the frame.

The Guardian - Sport

One, taken from a relative of the cod called the ocean pout, promotes the activity of the gene that encodes growth hormone.

The Economist

The trademarks of this Trump character are an improbable bouffant comb-over, a fleshy-lipped pout and a weakness for saying such things as "I'm by far the biggest property developer in New York".

The Economist

Here Picasso deftly evokes a grandly crinolined young woman in the manner of Goya, yet he gives his subject the confrontational pout and posture of a Parisian demimondaine.

The Economist

On nearly every stand, young women in eight-inch heels pose and pout beside the cars.

The Economist

Too much of all that meant (pretty pout) a tummy ache!A toss of those curlsHer parents did not tell her there was a Depression on.

The Economist

Rough winds may blast thee, stress may take its toll And botox leave thy brow impervious; Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines And oft thy sun-cream UV rays lets through; And every perfect pout at last declines Into a wrinkled spouse's sulking moue.

The Economist

From the reporters' barracks we strained our necks to glimpse Kathleen Sebelius's white shock of hair and Mitch McConnell's sour pout.

The Economist

Cod, haddock, herring, and saithe are the main species taken, with lesser quantities of plaice (a type of marine flatfish), sole, and Norway pout.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pout" to describe a specific facial expression or a temporary state of sulking. Avoid using it in formal contexts where more precise language is expected.

Common error

While often associated with displeasure, "pout" can also describe a deliberate, sometimes flirtatious, facial expression. Ensure the context clarifies the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "pout" is as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a facial expression. As a verb, it describes the action of making that expression, consistent with Ludwig's examples and validation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "pout" is a versatile term used both as a noun and a verb, primarily to describe a facial expression of displeasure or a state of sulking. While commonly found in neutral contexts like news and media, it can also carry a more deliberate, even flirtatious, connotation. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, suggesting that writers should be mindful of the context to ensure the intended meaning is clear. Consider using alternatives like "sulk" or "moue" for greater precision. Avoid using the word "pout" in academic or formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sulk

Expresses a similar feeling of being silently angry and unwilling to smile or be pleasant to people.

moue

Refers specifically to a pouting expression, often used to suggest flirtatiousness or displeasure.

make a face

Describes the act of distorting one's face to express a feeling or attitude.

lower the lip

Implies a slight pout or expression of annoyance.

turn down the corners of the mouth

Describes a facial expression indicating sadness, disapproval, or annoyance.

grimace

Indicates a contorted facial expression signifying pain, disgust, or disapproval.

scowl

Suggests a more severe expression of anger or disapproval than a "pout".

look sullen

Describes an appearance of being gloomy or resentful.

be in a huff

Refers to a temporary state of petulance or bad temper.

wear a long face

Describes an unhappy or disappointed expression.

FAQs

How can I use "pout" in a sentence?

You can use "pout" to describe a facial expression, as in "She had a slight "pout" on her lips", or to describe the act of sulking, as in "He began to "sulk" and "pout" when he didn't get his way".

What are some alternatives to the word "pout"?

Depending on the context, you can use words like "sulk", "moue", or "grimace" as alternatives to "pout".

Is "pout" always negative?

No, "pout" is not always negative. While it often indicates displeasure, it can also describe a deliberate or even attractive facial expression. The context usually clarifies the intended meaning.

What's the difference between a "pout" and a scowl?

A "pout" usually involves pushing out the lips to show displeasure or sadness, while a "scowl" is a more intense expression of anger or disapproval, often involving furrowed brows.