How Do You Spell DOUGH-FACED?

Pronunciation: [dˈə͡ʊfˈe͡ɪsd] (IPA)

The word "dough-faced" is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription as /doʊ-feɪst/. It is a term often used as an insult to describe someone who is weak-willed and easily influenced. The word "dough" refers to an uncooked mixture of flour, water, and other ingredients, while "face" is self-explanatory. The term is formed by combining the two words, ultimately meaning a person with a soft and malleable face, which implies they can be easily manipulated.

DOUGH-FACED Meaning and Definition

  1. Dough-faced is an adjective that is used to describe someone who has a facial expression or appearance that is soft, pliable, and lacking in distinct features or expressions. Derived from the word "dough," which is a mixture of flour, water, and other ingredients, dough-faced implies that the person's face resembles the malleable texture and form of unbaked dough.

    The term is often used in a derogatory manner to describe individuals who display a lack of firmness, strength, or determination in their character or behavior. Someone who is dough-faced may be seen as meek, easily influenced, or lacking in individuality. They may have a neutral or blank expression on their face, making it difficult to gauge their emotions or intentions.

    In historical usage, dough-faced was particularly associated with politicians who were deemed weak or ineffective. It referred to their lack of a strong, resolute personality and their tendency to shift their stance or views based on political expediency rather than personal conviction.

    It is important to note that "dough-faced" is considered an informal term and may not be commonly found in standard dictionaries. Its usage is predominantly in informal conversations or written texts to convey a visual and metaphorical representation of someone who appears weak-willed or lacking in distinct facial expressions.

  2. Weakly and sickly looking; cowardly.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for DOUGH-FACED

  • sough-faced
  • xough-faced
  • cough-faced
  • fough-faced
  • rough-faced
  • eough-faced
  • diugh-faced
  • dkugh-faced
  • dlugh-faced
  • dpugh-faced
  • d0ugh-faced
  • d9ugh-faced
  • doygh-faced
  • dohgh-faced
  • dojgh-faced
  • doigh-faced
  • do8gh-faced
  • do7gh-faced
  • doufh-faced

Etymology of DOUGH-FACED

The term "dough-faced" is derived from combining the noun "dough" and the adjective "faced".

"Dough" refers to a mixture of flour or meal with liquid, such as water or milk, used in baking to make bread, pastries, etc. It comes from the Old English word "dag", which means "dough" or "honeydew", and can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*daigaz".

The word "faced" is the past participle of the verb "face", which means to have the front part or surface turned towards something or someone. In this context, it implies having a certain appearance or expression on the face. It originates from the Old French word "face", meaning "face" or "appearance", which has its roots in the Latin word "facies".