Pout
/paʊt/
nounverbB1
Definition
To pout means to push your lips forward, often to show that you are upset, annoyed, or want attention. As a noun, a pout is this facial expression itself. People sometimes pout when they feel unhappy but do not want to speak about it.
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See It in Action
To push out lips to show unhappiness or annoyance (verb)
- •She pouted when her friend didn’t invite her to the party.
- •The baby pouted because he was tired and wanted his mother.
- •He pouted after losing the game, showing he was annoyed.
The facial expression of pushing lips forward in a sad or annoyed way (noun)
- •Her pout was so cute that everyone tried to cheer her up.
- •He gave a little pout when he didn’t get his favorite toy.
- •The photo captured her perfect pout, making her look thoughtful.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "pout" like "sad face," but specifically with lips pushed out, showing a small, quiet upset
- ✓Picture a child pushing their lips forward and looking away when they don’t get what they want
- ✓It’s the feeling when you want someone to notice your unhappiness without saying a word
- ✓Sounds like "out" → imagine lips pushed OUT forward like a small bubble or balloon
- ✓In cartoons, characters often pout when they are annoyed or sulking, making it easy to see the feeling
- ✓NOT like "cry" (which shows strong sadness with tears), pout is a softer, quieter way to show upset
- ✓NOT like "frown" (which pulls eyebrows down), pout is only about the lips pushed forward
- ✓NOT like "smile" (happy face), pout shows displeasure or wanting attention
Try Other Words
- •Sulk: to show unhappiness by being silent and refusing to talk or smile (Use when the upset feeling lasts longer and includes mood, not just lips)
- •Grimace: to make a face showing pain or disgust (Use when the expression is about discomfort, not just annoyance)
- •Frown: to make a sad or angry face by bringing eyebrows together (Use when the expression involves the forehead, not lips)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (no prefix or suffix) — root word "pout"
- •Etymology: From Old French "pouter," meaning to push out lips or mouth
- •Historical development: Used since the 1500s to describe a facial expression showing displeasure or sulking
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe both the action and the look of pushing lips forward to show annoyance or sadness, often in a playful or mild way
Reflect & Connect
•When have you seen someone pout, and what did it tell you about their feelings?
•Can a pout be a way to get attention without using words? How does this work in communication?
Fill in the blanks
1.She pouted because she didn’t get ___ she wanted from the store.
2.When children pout, they often want ___ or attention from adults.
3.A pout is different from a frown because it only involves the ___.
4.After losing the game, he didn’t cry but just pouted to show his ___.
5.Sometimes people pout to ___ others into feeling sorry for them.
6.The baby pouted and ___ her lips forward softly.
7.You can tell someone is annoyed when they ___ their lips instead of smiling.