How Do You Spell SOURFACED?

Pronunciation: [sˈa͡ʊ͡əfɪst] (IPA)

The word "sourfaced" is spelled with a silent "u" making it appear as if it should be pronounced similar to how it is spelled, with a "sour" sound followed by "faced". However, the correct pronunciation is /ˈsaʊə(r)feɪst/ with a slight sound of "uh" between the "ou" and "faced". This is due to the phonetic rules of English that dictate certain vowel combinations produce different sounds. The word means to have a face that looks displeased or unhappy.

SOURFACED Meaning and Definition

1. Sourfaced is an adjective used to describe someone who consistently wears a negative or displeased expression on their face, appearing to be grumpy, crabby, or generally unhappy. The term "sour" suggests a taste or smell that is acidic or bitter, which is then applied metaphorically to someone's facial expression. When someone is described as sourfaced, it means that their facial expression conveys dissatisfaction, disapproval, or ill-temper.

   A sourfaced individual often displays a downturned mouth or frowning expression, indicating displeasure or irritability. Their brows may be furrowed, and their eyes may be narrowed or have a critical gaze. This constant sour expression can give others the impression that the person is perpetually in a bad mood or unhappy with their surroundings.

   The term sourfaced can be used to describe someone temporarily displaying a negative expression due to a particular circumstance, or it can be applied to someone who habitually wears such an expression, regardless of the situation. It implies that the person's default facial expression is one of dissatisfaction or irritability, even when there may not be an immediate cause for such demeanor.

   Overall, sourfaced characterizes an individual whose facial expression consistently projects a sense of unhappiness, discontent, or irritability.

Etymology of SOURFACED

The word "sourfaced" is a compound of the word "sour" and the word "faced".

The term "sour" comes from the Old English word "sūr", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "sūraz". This word has ancient roots, traced back to the Proto-Indo-European base *seuə-, meaning "sour, salty". Over time, "sour" developed its modern meaning, referring to the taste or smell of something acidic or tart.

The term "faced" comes from the Old French word "face", meaning "countenance" or "appearance". It can be traced back to the Latin word "facies", which has the same meaning.

When combined, "sourfaced" describes someone whose countenance or expression resembles that of someone who is sour-tempered, displeased, or grumpy.