sulky face

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sulky face" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is displaying a moody or unhappy expression, often due to disappointment or annoyance. Example: "After losing the game, she walked around with a sulky face, clearly upset about the outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He has a sulky face, and he talks like this: "My style of music is in your face.

The New York Times

Except perhaps they want them to continue pulling a sulky face on their identity papers, and thus plunging the country's morale even further".

The Guardian

James looked at me doing my best sulky face at the camera and said with the perception of youth: 'You look like a girl desperate for a boyfriend!' How could he tell?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Warm-ups, hurled bibs, sulky faces: all of this is secondary to his declining returns as a spiky goalscoring centre-forward.

The Guardian - Sport

And maybe the sight of it will bring a smile to a sulky teenage face at some point.

The New York Times

He gives us an acerbic tour of the National Portrait Gallery, where pictures of kings and queens (looking increasingly "madder and weirder and fatter") jostle for space with pictures of worthies and geniuses (like Jane Austen, who, despite her radiant intellect, looks "like the nanny" with a "plain, sulky little face").

The New York Times - Books

If I see one more sulky, wronged English face attached to this story, I'll be forced to kick a football at it.

The Guardian - Opinion

But in the case of Sulky Batman 3.0, it's way too po-faced.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a hectic ride, at its strongest in the sections where the Montagues and Capulets face off, bearing a disquieting resemblance to sulky teenage droogs from A Clockwork Orange.

The Guardian

For the rest of the film, Tom Cruise, in charge his two sulky estranged kids, has to keep it together in the face of psychopathic, barely-seen aliens.

The Guardian - Film

"I hate that expression," he says, coming over sulky.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sulky face" to subtly convey a character's inner state in descriptive writing, especially when other emotional cues are absent. It's more nuanced than simply stating "they were sad".

Common error

Avoid using "sulky face" in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more neutral or sophisticated language like "displeased expression" or "dissatisfied demeanor".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sulky face" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, where the adjective "sulky" modifies the noun "face". It describes a specific facial expression indicating unhappiness or discontent. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The expression "sulky face" is a grammatically sound and descriptive phrase used to portray unhappiness or discontent, Ludwig confirms. While not exceedingly common, its usage is consistent, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. For formal writing, alternatives like "displeased expression" may be more appropriate. Remember, the key is to subtly convey the inner state of a character or subject, making it a valuable tool in descriptive narratives. By understanding its nuances, writers can effectively employ "sulky face" to add depth and emotion to their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pouting face

Focuses more on the physical expression of pushing out the lips.

glum expression

Highlights the overall downcast and unhappy demeanor.

morose look

Emphasizes a dark and brooding state of mind.

unhappy countenance

More formal way of describing a sad or displeased facial expression.

disgruntled visage

Focuses on the annoyance and dissatisfaction reflected in the face.

sour face

Implies a displeased or bitter expression.

downcast face

Highlights the lowered gaze and dejected appearance.

moody face

Suggests a temporary state of unhappiness or irritability.

resentful expression

Specifically conveys a feeling of bitterness and indignation.

irked look

Describes a face that shows slight annoyance.

FAQs

How can I describe a similar expression to a "sulky face"?

You can use alternatives such as "pouting face", "glum expression", or "morose look" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While grammatically correct, "sulky face" is generally more appropriate for informal or creative writing. In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "displeased expression" or "dissatisfied demeanor" to maintain a professional tone.

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

A "sulky face" typically indicates that someone is unhappy, moody, or resentful about something. It often suggests a feeling of disappointment or annoyance that they are reluctant to express directly.

Can "sulky face" be used to describe objects or situations?

While primarily used to describe people, "sulky" can sometimes be used metaphorically to describe objects or situations that appear gloomy or unappealing. For example, "Leicester Square is said to be sulky with drizzle".