facepalm
noun
- gesture and internet term
verb
- to bring palm of hand to one’s face in ostentatious expression of dismay
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˈfeɪsˌpɑː(l)m/
noun
Etymology: From face + palm. Attested since at least 2001.
- A gesture of bringing one or both palms to the face, with various interpretations including exasperation, chagrin, frustration, embarrassment (one's own or vicarious), etc.
“[Cue: William Tell Overture] [sound of Frank Zappa's “San Ber'dino” being played on Japanese instruments] [Kevin (the Muse): “Wargh! It SAID _William Tell!”] [Cantata11 (walking up with a koto): “Oof. Sorry. It's just that the girls had gotten warmed up to the other thingy...”] [Kevin: “William _Tell_, 11.” (facepalm)]”
““Do you think Carl Sagan might be available?” There was a mass-facepalm. “No.” they chorused.”
verb
Etymology: From face + palm. Attested since at least 2001.
- To bring the palm of one’s hand to one’s face as an expression of mixed humor and disbelief, disgust or shame; for example, when one is caught off-guard with a particularly bad pun.
“Christie blinked, then *looked* at Steven. “Do you have any idea what might be different?” “Um... No? Christie facepalmed. “Well, her hair was red this morning, right? It's blonde now. You figure it out.””
““Yay! I know you! You're Nicholas Lee, the detective who got fired 'cos of us!” Nina exclaimed happily. Lee facepalmed. “Arrgh...” “Nina...” Tris muttered. “Let's quit while we're ahead, okay?””
- To bring one’s face down to one’s cupped hand or hands.