Black face
When someone gives you a "black face," they're showing you their unhappiness or displeasure with a stony, unsmiling scowl. It's that look people give when they are clearly not in the mood for your nonsense, or if you've accidentally offended them and they want you to know about it without saying a word.
Origin
Literal translation: "n/a"
This is a direct translation from the Chinese term 'hak min' (Cantonese) or 'hei lian' (Mandarin), which both describe a dark, sullen expression. In Singapore, we use it to describe that specific vibe of being totally unimpressed.
Usage Examples
"Eh donβt joke with Ah Ma now, she already black face since you forgot to buy durian home."
"Boss gave black face in the meeting sia, everybody also suddenly type email very fast."
"I say one wrong thing only, she straight away black face and stop replying my WhatsApp lor."
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Related Words
blank face
That specific look someone gives you when they have absolutely no clue what you're talking about, like their brain just went for a coffee break and left the office empty. It's the face of pure, unadulterated 'huh?' when you're trying to explain a complex joke or a simple instruction.
buay song
Describes that specific feeling when you are thoroughly miffed, irritated, or just plain dissatisfied with a situation. Itβs the vibe you give off when someone cuts your queue or the coffee shop uncle serves your Milo lukewarm. If said with an aggressive tone and a chin-tilt, itβs basically an invitation to a scrap.
lose face
To lose face is to suffer a major blow to your dignity or standing in front of others. Itβs that cringey, sinking feeling when youβve been caught out or put in a spot where you just canβt 'tapao' your pride home anymore.