Pug-faced

Describing a person, often in a somewhat derogatory way, with a face that resembles a pug dog: small, round, and with a short, pushed-in nose and a somewhat flattened appearance. This characteristic can imply a lack of refinement or a comical appearance. The term emphasizes the physical features and is usually not meant to be overly offensive, but should be considered a descriptor of a facial structure, not of personality or character. It implies a certain charm, often a childlike, cute or almost comical quality.

Pug-faced meaning with examples

• The baby had a pug-faced expression, wrinkling her nose as she tried a sour piece of lemon. Her cheeks were round and flushed, adding to the pug-like features. Despite the initial pucker, she giggled, showcasing her endearing, almost cartoonish appearance. This was a direct result of her squished nose and high cheek bones. Every time she smiled her round face showed her pug-faced character in a comedic way.
• The old man, with his perpetually grumpy expression, could be described as pug-faced, especially when he squinted against the bright sunlight. His nose, stubby and pushed in, gave him a perpetually annoyed appearance. His rounded jawline and deep-set eyes also contributed to his pug-like look. He had this face due to the way his features aged. This was, of course, only a physical comparison.
• The caricature artist exaggerated the politician's features, rendering him pug-faced, with a ridiculously short nose and exaggeratedly round cheeks. This accentuated his already expressive features. It was meant to be a humorous interpretation. The caricature played with the politician's already unique physical traits, resulting in a caricature that was amusing. This was, after all, the intended purpose of the art piece.
• The young boy's playful antics were only enhanced by his pug-faced smile, as he ran around with boundless energy. His short, upturned nose and the slight dimples in his cheeks amplified his charm. The way his face squished when he laughed made everyone around him giggle. It was hard to be grumpy around the pug-faced child and this appearance made him look like an adorable puppy.
• Despite his serious demeanor, the actor had a certain appeal due to his pug-faced features, which made him seem approachable and friendly. The studio director was impressed by his face. His short nose and rounded cheeks softened his expression, counteracting the harshness of his character. It gave him a boyish charm that made the studio executives give him the part.