Said with a straight face (10) - Crossword Clue
Answer: DEADPANNED
Understanding "Said with a straight face" - The Answer is DEADPANNED
- When you encounter the crossword clue "Said with a straight face (10)," the answer you're looking for is DEADPANNED.
- This ten-letter word perfectly captures the act of delivering a statement, joke, or comment without showing any emotion or facial expression whatsoever.
- DEADPANNED refers to speaking in a deliberately emotionless, expressionless manner, maintaining a completely neutral face regardless of whether the content is humorous, serious, or absurd.
- The term originates from "deadpan," where "dead" suggests lifelessness or lack of animation, and "pan" is old slang for face.
- Comedians frequently use this technique to enhance comedic timing, delivering jokes with such seriousness that the contrast itself becomes funny.
- In crossword puzzles, this clue tests your vocabulary knowledge of performance styles and communication techniques.
- The phrase "straight face" is the key indicator here, pointing toward maintaining composure without smiling, laughing, or showing reaction.
- The ten-letter constraint helps narrow down possibilities, and DEADPANNED fits perfectly both in letter count and meaning.
Tips for Solving Similar Expression-Based Crossword Clues
- Look for performance and communication vocabulary: Clues involving expressions, facial gestures, or speaking styles often point to theatrical or comedic terms like DEADPANNED, smirked, grimaced, or stuttered.
- Count your letters carefully: The number in parentheses (10) is crucial. Always verify that your answer matches the exact letter count before filling it in confidently.
- Consider context synonyms: "Straight face" could also relate to terms like poker-faced, but DEADPANNED specifically captures the verbal aspect indicated by "said."
- Watch for past tense indicators: The "-ed" ending in DEADPANNED shows past tense, matching how the clue is phrased with "said" rather than "says."
- Think about comedy terminology: Many crossword puzzles draw from entertainment industry jargon, so familiarizing yourself with terms like deadpan, slapstick, satirical, or improvised can help with similar clues.
Said with a straight face (10) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: What's the difference between deadpan and sarcasm?
A: Deadpan refers to the emotionless delivery style itself, while sarcasm involves saying the opposite of what you mean. You can deliver sarcasm with a deadpan expression, but deadpan doesn't require sarcastic content.
Q: Are there other crossword answers that mean the same thing?
A: While DEADPANNED is the most common ten-letter answer, shorter alternatives like "deadpan" (7 letters) or "stonily" (7 letters) might fit different clue lengths with similar meanings.
Q: Why do comedians use deadpan delivery?
A: The contrast between serious delivery and funny content creates surprise and amplifies humor. The audience doesn't receive emotional cues about how to react, making the punchline more impactful when they process it independently.
Q: Can DEADPANNED be used in other contexts besides comedy?
A: Absolutely. While common in comedy, someone might deadpan serious news, uncomfortable truths, or even lies, maintaining composure to avoid revealing their true feelings about what they're saying.
Q: How can I get better at recognizing these types of clues?
A: Regular crossword practice helps build your mental database of common answers. Pay attention to how clues describe actions, expressions, and mannerisms, as these often point to specific descriptive verbs or adjectives like DEADPANNED.
