facepalm

Definition

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.

Etymology

From face + palm. Attested since at least 2001.

Example Sentences

• "[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."
• "A look of realization crossed her face; she looked like she may have given herself a face palm if her hands weren't full."