Pronunciation: [stɹˈe͡ɪtfe͡ɪs] (IPA) 
The word "straightface" is spelled as [streɪtfes]. It is a colloquial term that means to maintain a serious or expressionless face, especially when telling a joke or humorous story. The word is pronounced with a long "A" sound in "straight" and a short "E" sound in "face." The "GH" in "straight" is silent, making it a tricky word to spell but easy to remember once you get the hang of it.
Straightface, also spelled straight face, is a noun that refers to a facial expression characterized by keeping one's features composed and devoid of any obvious emotion, especially in situations that would typically elicit a response. The term is often used colloquially and figuratively to describe a deliberate and intentional act of maintaining a serious and impassive facial expression despite feelings of amusement, surprise, or disbelief.
When a person adopts a straightface, they purposefully conceal their emotions or reactions, behaving in a poker-faced manner. It involves consciously controlling one's facial muscles to present a deadpan expression, concealing any signs of amusement, laughter, or astonishment. This expression is commonly used in response to jokes, sarcasm, or absurd situations, where maintaining a straightface heightens the comedic effect or preserves the illusion of seriousness.
The straightface is a valuable tool for comedians, poker players, actors, and public speakers as it enables them to maintain an air of credibility, composure, and control in various situations. A person using a straightface may be described as stoic, deadpan, or poker-faced.
In summary, straightface refers to the practiced ability to maintain a serious or neutral facial expression despite the presence of emotions or in humorous or surprising circumstances.
The term "straightface" is a compound word that combines "straight" and "face". The word "straight" originally comes from the Old English word "streht", meaning "direct" or "not crooked". It has evolved over time to refer to something that is in a direct line or not deviating from a normal course. "Face" on the other hand, comes from the Old French word "face", ultimately derived from the Latin word "facies", meaning "appearance" or "front". When combined together, "straightface" refers to someone's facial expression that remains controlled, serious, or lacking any visible emotion, often used to describe someone who maintains composure or hides their true feelings.
