"you look blue" vs "why the long face"

Question

"you look blue" vs "why the long face"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Why the long face?' is a common expression used to ask someone why they look sad or upset. On the other hand, 'You look blue' is an informal way to say that someone looks sad or depressed.

Last Updated: March 28, 2024

This phrase is used to comment on someone's sad or depressed appearance in an informal way.

Examples:

You look blue today. Is everything okay?
Why do you look so blue? Did something happen?
You seem a bit blue. Want to talk about it?

Alternatives:

You seem down.
You look sad.
You appear upset.
You're not your usual self today.
You look like you've had a rough day.

This phrase is used to inquire about the reason behind someone's sad or upset appearance.

Examples:

Why the long face? Did something happen?
You seem down. Why the long face?

Alternatives:

Why do you look so sad?
What's the matter?
Is everything okay?
You seem upset. What's wrong?
Why are you looking so glum?

Answer 1

you look blue

This phrase is correct and used informally to say that someone looks sad or depressed.

Answer 2

why the long face

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to ask someone why they look sad or upset.

"you look blue" vs "why the long face"

you look blue

why the long face

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