# Definition **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [March 17, 2000, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/definition/8753 "2000-03-17T19:02:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 9\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Guy\_Propski](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/5e9695/32.png) [@Guy\_Propski](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guy_Propski)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2000, 6:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/definition/8753/1 "2000-03-18T06:01:00Z")
I was reading a book review today and the reviewer used the adjective “po-faced.” I’ve heard it before, but I realized I had no idea what it means. It’s not in my American Heritage Dictionary. Anybody out there got access to a better dictionary, and can help me out? ---
**Author:** ![Ezstrete](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7ea924/32.png) [@Ezstrete](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ezstrete)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2000, 6:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/definition/8753/2 "2000-03-18T06:14:00Z")
Means, very solemn of visage-deadpan–inscrutable etc ---
**Author:** ![Arnold\_Winkelried](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Arnold\_Winkelried](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arnold_Winkelried)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2000, 6:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/definition/8753/3 "2000-03-18T06:53:00Z")
From [Merriam-Webster’s WWWebster Dictionary](http://www.m-w.com/dictionary.htm) Main Entry: **po-faced** Pronunciation: 'pO-"fAst Function: _adjective_ Etymology: perhaps from _po_ chamber pot, toilet, from French _pot_ pot Date: 1934 _British_ : having an assumed solemn, serious, or earnest expression or manner : piously or hypocritically solemn ---
**Author:** ![Ursa\_Major](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/a88e57/32.png) [@Ursa\_Major](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ursa_Major)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2000, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/definition/8753/4 "2000-03-17T19:02:00Z")
Remember, about five years ago, at Ron Brown’s funeral, when President Clinton got caught on camera joshing with his friends? When he saw that a camera was taping him, he immediately assumed a demeanor what could be called a “po-faced”. ---
**Author:** ![Guy\_Propski](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/5e9695/32.png) [@Guy\_Propski](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guy_Propski)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2000, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/definition/8753/5 "2000-03-17T22:18:00Z")
Thanks, guys. Arnold’s info on the derivation almost makes it look like it’s a synonym for “shit-faced.” 😉 ---
**Author:** ![ASPA](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b19c9b/32.png) [@ASPA](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ASPA)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2000, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/definition/8753/6 "2000-03-18T01:09:00Z")
> [@](#): > > Originally posted by Guy Propski: > **Thanks, guys. Arnold’s info on the derivation almost makes it look like it’s a synonym for “shit-faced.” 😉** No, doesn’t the childish term “shit-faced” refer exclusively and simply to embarrassment. That’s the only usage I’m familiar with… ---
**Author:** ![Ursa\_Major](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/a88e57/32.png) [@Ursa\_Major](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ursa_Major)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2000, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/definition/8753/7 "2000-03-18T01:27:00Z")
Guy was making a joke based on the chamber pot etymology, ASPA. Shit-faced means drunk. I’ve never heard it to mean embarassed. Are you sure you’re not thinking of “a shit eating grin”? BTW- Welcome back, Guy! ---
**Author:** ![ASPA](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b19c9b/32.png) [@ASPA](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ASPA)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2000, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/definition/8753/8 "2000-03-18T03:10:00Z")
Thanks, my only point was in direct context to his response to replies (to his initial inquiry). You did reminded me that there’s probably other uses out there for the subject term. I didn’t know it meant drunk, but clearly you’ve heard it in that context. So, we move on to another topic. ---
**Author:** ![ASPA](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b19c9b/32.png) [@ASPA](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ASPA)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2000, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/definition/8753/9 "2000-03-18T03:13:00Z")
> [@](#): > > Originally posted by ASPA: > You did reminded > \*\* erratta corrected to remind. Where’es that “delete post” “edit post” button icon? Sorry.