Pronunciation: [ɹˈa͡ɪ fˈe͡ɪs] (IPA) 
The phrase "wry face" describes a facial expression that is twisted or distorted in some way, often indicating sarcasm or irony. The spelling of "wry" is unusual, as it is pronounced differently from how it looks. The IPA phonetic transcription for "wry" is /raɪ/, which means that the "w" letter is silent and the "r" and "y" sounds blend together into one syllable. So, the correct pronunciation of "wry face" is /raɪ feɪs/.
A "wry face" is an expression characterized by a contorted or twisted appearance of the facial muscles, typically conveying a mixture of amusement, irony, sarcasm, or skepticism. This term is used to describe a facial expression showing a sense of dry humor, cynicism, or a slight mocking attitude, often associated with a slight curling or raising of one side of the mouth.
The wry face is usually characterized by a slight arching or raising of one eyebrow, accompanied by a raised cheek and eyes that may appear narrowed or squinted. It depicts a subtle, sardonic amusement that is not openly expressed through laughter but is evident in the facial features. The mouth may also be slightly tilted or pulled to one side, suggesting a smirk or a concealed smile.
This expression is often used to convey a sense of irony or skepticism, particularly when someone finds something amusing, comical, or absurd, but may not want to openly acknowledge it. It can also be employed as a form of subtle criticism, indicating disbelief, disagreement, or even disapproval without direct confrontation. It is typically associated with a dry and sophisticated sense of humor, often seen as subtle and nuanced.
The wry face is often observed in situations that involve wit, sarcasm, or double entendre, where the person's true feelings and reactions are deliberately masked or downplayed for strategic or social reasons. This unique facial expression allows individuals to communicate their underlying emotions subtly, adding depth and complexity to their non-verbal communication.
The word "wry" comes from the Old English word "wrigian", which means "to twist or turn". Over time, it developed various meanings related to distortion or deviation from the norm. The phrase "wry face" specifically refers to a facial expression characterized by a twisted or contorted look, typically indicating a mocking or ironic attitude. The word "face" in this context simply refers to the front part of the head. Therefore, the etymology of "wry face" can be traced back to Old English and its roots in the concept of twisting or deviating.
