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Humourless and disapproving (2-5) Crossword Clue
Answer: PO-FACED (7 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Humourless and disapproving (2-5)" with 7 letters is "PO-FACED".Po-faced describes a person who is serious, humorless, and often disapproving, typically lacking any sign of amusement or joy. The term is often used to describe someone who maintains a stern or unsmiling expression, showing no enjoyment or lightheartedness, even in situations where others might find humor.
Why "Po-faced" Fits
The clue asks for a two-word phrase (2-5) meaning "humourless and disapproving." The answer, PO-FACED, fits perfectly:
- Humourless and disapproving: Po-faced is an idiomatic expression describing someone who is extremely serious, impassive, and lacking in visible amusement or warmth. Such a person typically maintains a stern or disapproving demeanor—matching the clue exactly.
- Direct match: With two letters in the first part and five in the second, separated by a hyphen, po-faced fits the (2-5) enumeration precisely.
- Precise meaning: The phrase conveys an appearance or attitude that is solemn, unamused, and often judgmental or critical, especially in circumstances where others might expect a smile or some levity.
Po-faced is widely used in British and Commonwealth English to describe a dry, unfriendly, or disapproving attitude:
Origin and usage:
- Likely a shortened form of "poker-faced," though some sources suggest "po" comes from "pious" or the facial expression people make when saying "pooh-pooh" in disdain.
- Common in literature, media, and conversation to describe someone who is unamused by jokes or takes themselves too seriously.
Examples and context:
- “The comedian’s po-faced delivery made the joke even funnier.”
- “He remained po-faced during the lighthearted discussion.”
- “Her po-faced reaction discouraged any further jokes.”
In quick crosswords like “Humourless and disapproving (2-5),” clues for emotional expressions rely on colorful idiomatic language:
Definition: The answer is an exact idiom for an unamused, serious expression or attitude—po-faced is the go-to British phrase.
Clue type: Compound word or phrase, requiring cultural or idiomatic familiarity.
Solving approach:
- For (2-5) with a negative or stern meaning, po-faced is unique; other terms like “dry-eyed,” “straight-faced,” or “grim-faced” do not fit the structure or are less common.
Crossword pattern: Idioms describing attitudes or facial expressions—po-faced, poker-faced, long-faced—are favored for their succinctness and vivid imagery.
