The phrase "red faced" is commonly used to describe someone who is embarrassed or ashamed. In phonetic transcription, "red" is spelled /rɛd/ with a short "e" sound, and "faced" is spelled /feɪst/ with a long "a" and a soft "c" sound. When spoken together, the words flow smoothly and quickly, with the emphasis on the first syllable of "faced". Overall, the spelling of "red faced" accurately represents the way it is pronounced in English.
Red-faced is an adjective used to describe a person's facial condition when their complexion becomes red or flushed due to embarrassment, shame, anger, or exertion. When someone is "red-faced," it implies that their face has turned visibly redder than usual due to heightened emotions or physical strain.
The term "red-faced" describes the visible manifestation of intense emotions or physical exertion on an individual's face. When a person experiences embarrassment or shame, their blood vessels dilate, causing increased blood flow to the face, resulting in a reddish hue. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as "blushing," and it often accompanies feelings of self-consciousness or guilt, prompting the person to become red-faced.
Additionally, anger or frustration can cause a person's face to flush, with the blood rushing to the surface, making the skin appear red. This reddening of the face is a physiological response triggered by the body's heightened stress or fight-or-flight response.
Moreover, physical exertion, such as intense exercise or strenuous activity, can also cause a person's face to turn red due to increased blood circulation and dilation of blood vessels in the face. In these scenarios, being "red-faced" is a natural and temporary reaction to the body's increased demand for oxygen and removal of waste products.
In summary, "red-faced" describes the physical change in facial complexion resulting from strong emotions like embarrassment, shame, anger, or intense physical exertion. It signifies a temporary alteration in skin color characterized by a flushed or reddish appearance.
The etymology of the phrase "red faced" can be broken down as follows:
1. Red: The word "red" can be traced back to the Old English word "read", which was derived from the Proto-Germanic word "raudaz". This word referred specifically to the color red.
2. Faced: The word "faced" comes from the Old French word "facer", meaning "to make" or "to create". The term was used to describe the appearance of one's face, as in the expression "red-faced", which indicates a reddened or flushed complexion.
Overall, "red faced" describes someone whose face has turned red or flushed typically due to embarrassment, exertion, anger, or intense emotion.