- To remain stoic and unemotional in the face of adversity, difficulty, or disappointment.
- To avoid showing fear, grief, or distress.
Explanation
Origin
- Refers to the physical sign of trembling lips when trying to hold back tears or strong emotion. Keeping the upper lip stiff prevents this visible sign of distress.
- Strongly associated with British culture, particularly the perceived national characteristic of emotional restraint and stoicism, especially prominent during the Victorian era and war times.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Tough it out (Endure hardship)
- Suck it up (Harsh, tells someone to stop complaining and endure)
- Hold it together (Try not to break down emotionally)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Suck it the fuck up (Very harsh version of 'suck it up')
Milder/More Empathetic:
- Try to stay strong.
- Be brave.
- It's okay to find this difficult. (Acknowledges emotion rather than suppressing it)
Situational Appropriateness
- Can be used in both semi-formal and informal contexts, but carries cultural weight.
- Often seen as old-fashioned advice.
- Can be perceived negatively as encouraging emotional suppression, which is less valued in many modern Western cultures compared to emotional expression. Use with awareness of this nuance.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Non-native speakers need to understand this is about emotional control, not literal lip stiffness. The main nuance to grasp is its cultural association with British stoicism and the potentially negative modern view of emotional suppression.
Examples
- Even when he lost the competition, he kept a stiff upper lip.
- They were told to keep a stiff upper lip despite the bad news.
- It's a British tradition to keep a stiff upper lip in difficult times.
Dialogue
Teacher: The school play didn't win the award, team. I know you're disappointed.
Student A: It's not fair! We worked so hard.
Teacher: I know. But let's congratulate the winners gracefully. We need to keep a stiff upper lip right now.
Student B: Okay, Mrs. Davison. We'll hold our heads high.
Social Media Examples
- Historical Post: Remembering the Blitz spirit people keeping a stiff upper lip through the darkest days. #History #WW2 #Stoicism
- Critical Tweet: This whole 'keep a stiff upper lip' culture is toxic. It's okay to not be okay. #MentalHealthMatters #EndTheStigma
- News Headline Parody: Nation Keeps Stiff Upper Lip as Economy Crumbles.
Response Patterns
- (If advised to do so) I'll try my best. / Okay. (May or may not agree internally).
- (If observing someone else) He's very stoic. / She handles things so calmly.
- Sometimes criticized: It's okay to show emotion, you know. / You don't always have to keep a stiff upper lip.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After observing someone keep a stiff upper lip:
- Action: Might express quiet admiration or, conversely, private concern about suppressed emotions.
After advising someone to keep a stiff upper lip:
- Action: Monitor the situation, perhaps offer private support later.
Conversation Starter
- No. It's advice or a description of behavior in adversity.
Intonation
- Often said with a tone of admiration, resignation, or as firm advice. Stress on stiff and lip. Keep a STIFF upper LIP.
Generation Differences
- Strongly associated with older generations (Silent Generation, Baby Boomers), especially those influenced by British culture. Younger generations understand it but are less likely to use it as genuine advice, sometimes using it ironically or critically.
Regional Variations
- Most strongly associated with British English, but understood in other regions (US, Canada, Aus) due to cultural exposure.