das Backpfeifengesicht, -er

Definition & meaning

Backpfeifengesicht is a colloquial, insulting word for a face that someone finds so annoying or unpleasant that it supposedly makes them want to slap the person. It is usually used as an exaggerated insult, not as a literal threat.

Grammar & word origin

• Noun: das Backpfeifengesicht
• Plural: die Backpfeifengesichter
• It is a compound of Backpfeife ↗ (“slap on the cheek”) and Gesicht ↗ (“face”).
• The word literally means something like “slap-in-the-face face.”

Synonyms & antonyms

There is no exact synonym. Unsympathisches Gesicht ↗ (“unlikable face”) is milder and does not carry the same slap-related imagery. Visage ↗ is a dismissive or pejorative word for “face,” but does not specifically suggest wanting to slap someone.

There is no direct antonym. Sympathisches Gesicht ↗ (“likable face”) or freundliches Gesicht ↗ (“friendly face”) express the opposite impression.

Common phrases & collocations

• ein Backpfeifengesicht haben ↗ — “to have a face that makes people want to slap you”
• ein echtes Backpfeifengesicht ↗ — “a real slap-worthy face”