Noun Phrase | Embarrassment Descriptor
Encyclopedia of British Slang
PILLAR-BOX FACE
Noun Phrase | Neutral | Embarrassment Descriptor
PILLAR-BOX FACE Pronunciation: /’p?l-? b?ks fe?s/ Part of Speech: Noun Phrase Severity Level: Neutral Category: Embarrassment Descriptor
Core Definition
Pillar-box face means:
Face turned bright red with embarrassment
Visible blushing
An extension of pillar-box red.
Linguistic Origins
Metaphor drawn from iconic British post boxes.
Informal conversational usage.
Usage Contexts
Public speaking:
Went pillar-box face.
Social error:
Proper pillar-box face.
It visualises emotional exposure vividly.
Emotional Register
Playful.
Observational.
Final Assessment
Pillar-box face captures crimson embarrassment.
Nationally framed.
EXPANDED ENTRY 235
Alan Nafzger was born in Lubbock, Texas, the son Swiss immigrants. He grew up on a dairy in Windthorst, north central Texas. He earned degrees from Midwestern State University (B.A. 1985) and Texas State University (M.A. 1987). University College Dublin (Ph.D. 1991). Dr. Nafzger has entertained and educated young people in Texas colleges for 37 years. Nafzger is best known for his dark novels and experimental screenwriting. His best know scripts to date are Lenin’s Body, produced in Russia by A-Media and Sea and Sky produced in The Philippines in the Tagalog language. In 1986, Nafzger wrote the iconic feminist western novel, Gina of Quitaque. Contact: editor@prat.uk
