- Facepalming is a simple compounded word formed from the action it describes. Combining the noun face and the verb palm makes for a very versatile word that is acceptable both as a noun (a facepalm) and a verb (to facepalm).
Facepalm (9)
compounding; verb; noun
Exactly as it sounds, a facepalm is the action involving putting one’s palm on their face. Usually used when someone else is embarrassingly oblivious to something.
Etymology : Compounding of face and palm into a single verb (or the action involving the verb)
Source : “Will Santore is the king of facepalming” (Duncaroo, April 2011)
Last modified: 6 December 2011