Pronunciation: [fˈe͡ɪsplant] (IPA) 
The word "faceplant" is spelled phonetically as /feɪs.plænt/. The first syllable "face" is pronounced as "feɪs" with a long "a" sound. The second syllable "plant" is pronounced as "plænt" with a short "a" sound. Together, the word refers to a fall or stumble in which an individual lands face first on the ground. The popularity of social media and videos showcasing such falls has elevated the use of this term in popular culture.
Faceplant is a slang term that is typically used to refer to a humiliating or dramatic fall or stumble in which a person's face comes into abrupt contact with the ground or another surface. The word is a combination of "face" and "plant," and its origins can be traced back to the early 2000s. While originally associated with the skateboarding and extreme sports communities, it has since become more commonly used to describe any embarrassing fall, regardless of the context.
A faceplant occurs when an individual loses balance, trips, or otherwise fails to maintain their footing, resulting in an awkward and often painful collision between their face and the ground. This term emphasizes the impact on the face, which is typically the first point of contact and often bears the brunt of the fall. As a result, the person's face may become scraped, bruised, or otherwise injured, adding to the embarrassment and discomfort of the situation.
The term has also gained popularity due to its figurative use in non-physical contexts. It can be employed to describe a person's failure or blunder, often in a humorous or lighthearted manner. For example, someone may describe a person "faceplanting" during a job interview if they made a critical mistake or said something inappropriate. This usage is based on the idea that one's figurative "face" is being metaphorically planted into a negative outcome or embarrassing situation.
The word "faceplant" is a compound word combining "face" and "plant".
The term "face" dates back to the 13th century and originated from the Old French word "face", meaning "appearance" or "countenance". It ultimately comes from the Latin word "facies", which has a similar meaning.
The word "plant" has a different origin. It comes from the Old English word "plantian", meaning "to place firmly". Over time, it evolved into the modern English term "plant", which refers to the action of setting something firmly or solidly on the ground.
When combined, "faceplant" describes the act of falling or crashing in such a way that the face is the first body part to make contact with the ground. The term likely emerged as a colloquialism, as it vividly describes the action and impact of the fall.
