blank face

[/blæŋk feɪs/]
nounpl: blank faces
rosto inexpressivo
1. A facial expression that shows no emotion, reaction, or understanding; a face with no visible feelings or thoughts
When I told him the joke, he just stared at me with a blank face.
Quando contei a piada para ele, ele apenas me encarou com um rosto inexpressivo.
2. An empty or emotionless look, often indicating confusion, indifference, or lack of comprehension
She looked at the complicated instructions with a blank face.
Ela olhou para as instruções complicadas com um rosto sem expressão.
The expression 'blank face' is widely used in both American and Brazilian English to describe emotional detachment or incomprehension. In Brazil, it's often used in casual conversation to indicate someone is not reacting as expected. In NYC and urban America, 'stone face' or 'dead mug' convey similar meanings but carry slightly more hardened connotations. The concept relates to emotional literacy and is frequently discussed in psychology and communication contexts.
NYC Slang
stone face / dead mug
Synonyms / Sinônimos
expressionless facepoker facedeadpan expressionstony faceimpassive face
Antonyms / Antônimos
expressive faceanimated expressionbeaming faceemotional face

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
rosto inexpressivo
Most common translation across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
cara de nada
Colloquial expression meaning 'face of nothing'
São Paulo
expressão sem graça
More formal, meaning 'expression without charm'
Portugal
cara sem expressão
Portuguese European variant

Related Words

blank stareexpressionlessemotionlesspoker-facedimpassivedeadpan

Related Idioms & Phrases

keep a blank face
pull a blank face
stare with a blank face
blank face expression
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