The idiom "wearing long face" means to look sad or unhappy. The phonetic transcription of the word "wearing" is /ˈwɛrɪŋ/ and for "long" is /lɔŋ/. The spelling of the word "wearing" follows the typical English spelling rules for words ending in "-ing." The word "long" is spelled as per the pronunciation, with the "o" pronounced as /ɔ/. In idiomatic expressions such as this, spelling can vary, but the meaning remains the same.
Wearing a long face is an idiomatic expression that refers to someone who has a sad or gloomy demeanor, displaying a serious or mournful expression on their face. It is often used to describe an individual who appears visibly sad, distressed, or preoccupied with troubling thoughts or emotions. This phrase implies a visible display of unhappiness or concern that is often evident through facial expressions, body language, or overall demeanor.
The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the concept of facial expressions serving as an indication of one's emotional state. When someone is upset or facing a difficult situation, their facial muscles tend to droop or lengthen, resulting in a sad appearance. This visual representation of sorrow or distress is metaphorically described as "wearing a long face," suggesting that the individual carries their grief or worries on their countenance.
The phrase is commonly used in everyday conversations, literature, and other forms of communication to convey someone's sadness or melancholy. It can be employed to describe an individual's reaction to personal problems, shared concerns, or disappointing news. "Wearing a long face" emphasizes the visible impact of negative emotions on a person's external demeanor, highlighting the significance of non-verbal communication in expressing one's feelings.