Blank expression

For the song "Blank Expression" by the Specials, see The Specials (album).
A woman with a neutral expression

A blank expression is a facial expression characterized by neutral positioning of the facial features, implying a lack of strong emotion. It may be caused by a lack of emotion, depression, boredom or slight confusion, such as when someone refers to something which the listener does not understand. A deliberately-induced blank expression meant to conceal one's emotions is also known as a poker face, referring to the common practice of maintaining one's composure when playing the card game poker.[1][2]

The term poker face was used outside the game of poker by American sportswriters in the 1920s to describe a competitor who appeared unaffected by stressful situations (an important skill when playing poker for money, to avoid giving your opponent any tells about your hand).[3] It is often used by mental health professionals to describe certain patient behaviors, and by marketers and salespeople during business negotiations.[4]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Judi James (2007). Poker Face: Mastering Body Language to Bluff, Read Tells and Win. Da Capo Press. p. 17. ISBN 1-60094-051-X.
  2. ↑ Richard D. Harroch; Lou Krieger (2011). Poker For Dummies. For Dummies. p. 22. ISBN 1-118-05358-3.
  3. ↑ Joey Lee Dillard (1985). Toward a social history of American English. Walter de Gruyter. p. 169. ISBN 3-11-010584-5.
  4. ↑ Arnold S. Goldstein (1981). The Complete Guide to Buying and Selling a Business. Penguin Group USA. p. 154. ISBN 0-452-26111-2.


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