The phrase "show face" is spelled as /ʃoʊ feɪs/. The first word is spelled with the letter combination 'sh', representing the voiceless postalveolar fricative consonant /ʃ/. The second word has the vowel sound /oʊ/ represented by 'ow'. The second syllable has the diphthong /eɪ/ pronounced as 'ay'. The phrase means someone is making an appearance or showing up in a social setting. It is widely used in informal conversations and social media.
"Show face" is a colloquial expression used in informal contexts, particularly in certain regions or communities such as Singapore, Malaysia, and parts of China. It refers to the act of making an appearance, attending an event, or being present in a social gathering solely for the purpose of showcasing oneself or maintaining one's image, rather than actively participating or contributing meaningfully to the occasion.
The term "show face" implies that the individual is motivated by a desire to project a positive image or maintain social status. It often connotes a superficial or insincere behavior, as the person may be more concerned about being seen rather than genuinely engaging with others. This phrase may commonly be used when someone attends an event simply to be seen or to fulfill a social obligation, instead of having a genuine interest or intention to actively participate.
In a broader sense, "show face" can also refer to the act of putting on a facade or presenting a false front to others, particularly in situations where one's true thoughts, feelings, or motivations are hidden. It suggests a performative aspect of social interactions, wherein individuals may prioritize appearances and public perception over genuine authenticity.
In conclusion, "show face" is a slang term that describes the act of attending a social event solely for the purpose of maintaining appearances or image, often conveying a sense of insincerity or superficiality in one's actions.
The phrase "show face" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two separate words with their own origins.
"Show" as a verb dates back to Old English, derived from the Old Norse word "skow", meaning "a look, appearance". In Middle English, it evolved to "shewen", which eventually became "show" in Modern English. The meaning of "show" in this context is to present, display, or exhibit something.
"Face" as a noun originates from the Latin word "facies", meaning "appearance" or "countenance". It entered Middle English from Old French as "face", retaining its basic meaning of the front part of a person's head including the eyes, nose, and mouth.
When these two words, "show" and "face", are combined, the phrase "show face" generally refers to the act of appearing in public or presenting oneself.