How to pronounce facepalm
Say it like FAY-spahlm. Facepalm has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce facepalm. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- FAY
- spahlm
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Facepalm pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- spahlmGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
American vs British pronunciation of facepalm
American and British speakers say facepalm in essentially the same way: /ˈfeɪˌspɑlm/ in the US and /ˈfeɪˌspɑːlm/ in the UK.
British respelling: FAY-spahlm.
What does facepalm mean?
- 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.
- 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.
- To bring one’s face down to one’s cupped hand or hands.
Where does facepalm come from?
From face + palm. Attested since at least 2001.
Questions about saying facepalm
How do you pronounce facepalm?
Say FAY-spahlm. The American pronunciation is /ˈfeɪˌspɑlm/. In British English it is /ˈfeɪˌspɑːlm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in facepalm?
Facepalm has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FAY). Broken into parts: FAY · spahlm.
Do Americans and Brits say facepalm the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈfeɪˌspɑlm/ and the British form is /ˈfeɪˌspɑːlm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.