The phrase "deadly pale" is often used to describe a person who appears extremely pale, as if they may be ill or near death. The word "deadly" is pronounced /ˈdɛdli/, with stress on the first syllable and the "e" sound followed by a short "e" sound. "Pale" is pronounced /peɪl/, with stress on the second syllable and the "a" sound followed by a long "e" sound. The combination of these two words creates a striking image of someone who looks seriously unwell.
"Deadly pale" refers to an extreme and alarming paleness or pallor in the complexion of an individual. It is a physical condition where one's skin appears significantly lighter or whiter than usual, often giving the person an unnaturally ghost-like or lifeless appearance. The term "deadly" emphasizes the severity and seriousness of the paleness, suggesting a certain level of danger or impending harm.
The phrase is often used metaphorically to describe someone who is extremely sick, weak, or experiencing a life-threatening condition. It might indicate a lack of vitality and energy, conveying the impression that the person's health is deteriorating rapidly. Furthermore, "deadly pale" can also be employed in a literary context to evoke a chilling and eerie atmosphere, creating an image of a character or scene that is haunting, otherworldly, or connected to death.
The exact causes of a deadly pale complexion can vary. It could be an indication of a person being in shock, experiencing extreme fear or anxiety, or suffering from a severe illness or injury. In some cases, it may indicate a significant loss of blood or a lack of oxygen in the body. Therefore, "deadly pale" serves not only as a description of a person's appearance but also as a potential warning sign of a critical medical situation.
The etymology of the phrase "deadly pale" can be traced back to the roots of its individual components.
1. Deadly: The word "deadly" in this context means something that is causing or capable of causing death. It derives from the Old English word "dēadlic", which combines "dēad", meaning "dead", and "-lic", a suffix meaning "like" or "having the quality of". Therefore, "deadly" originally meant "like death" or "having the quality of death".
2. Pale: "Pale" comes from the Old French word "pale", which eventually originated from the Latin word "pallidus" meaning "pale" or "wan". It can be associated with a loss of color in the face, often indicating fear, illness, or deathly appearance.