Pokerface is a term commonly used in both social and professional contexts to describe an individual's ability to maintain a calm, emotionless, and unreadable facial expression during a given situation, particularly during times of stress, deception, or intense scrutiny. The term finds its origin from the card game poker, where players strive to conceal any visible signs of their emotions or reactions to the cards they are dealt.
In essence, a pokerface is an intentional display of a blank, neutral, or inscrutable demeanor, devoid of any revealing facial expressions such as smiles, frowns, or raised eyebrows. The purpose behind adopting a pokerface is to deliberately deceive others or maintain privacy by preventing opponents, observers, or counterparts from being able to discern one's true emotions, thoughts, or intentions.
The use of a pokerface can occur in various situations, ranging from business negotiations, where concealing one's thoughts and reactions might provide a strategic advantage, to social encounters, where an individual may not want to reveal their true feelings or intentions to maintain personal, emotional, or informational boundaries. A successful use of a pokerface often relies on one's ability to control their nonverbal communication, including microexpressions, eye contact, and head movements.
Overall, possessing a pokerface entails an individual's ability to create a controlled facade, presenting a stoic, inscrutable, and unreadable expression to prevent others from gaining insights into their emotions, thoughts, or intentions.
