What Is a Face Card, & What Does It Mean If It Never Declines?

PDF download Download Article
Everything you need to know about this popular TikTok slang
PDF download Download Article

You may have seen the phrase “face card never declines” on social media or heard it in a song, but what exactly does it mean, and where did it come from? If you’re interested in the answers to these questions, look no further! We’ve compiled a complete guide on this popular slang phrase, including its definition, origins, and how to use it correctly. Keep reading for everything you need to know!

“Face Card Never Declines” Meaning

This phrase is used to compliment someone for having an extremely beautiful face. It basically means that someone's face is so gorgeous that they could get whatever they want, just like a credit card that never declines.

Section 1 of 4:

What does “face card never declines” mean?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/79\/Face-Card-Never-Declines-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Face-Card-Never-Declines-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/79\/Face-Card-Never-Declines-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Face-Card-Never-Declines-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The phrase means that someone has such a pretty face that they could get whatever they want, in the same way an unlimited credit card could buy them whatever they want. When someone says another person’s face card never declines, they’re basically saying that the person always looks stunning. [1]
    • The term “face card” can also be used on it’s own to refer to someone’s face (“She has a lethal face card”).
    • “Face card always valid” is another popular variation of the phrase with essentially the same meaning.
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

Where did the phrase come from?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3a\/Face-Card-Never-Declines-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Face-Card-Never-Declines-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3a\/Face-Card-Never-Declines-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Face-Card-Never-Declines-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) users often use "face card never declines" to comment on how good people look in pictures or videos. [2] They may use the phrase to compliment friends when they post selfies (“You look insanely good in this pic! Face card never declines”), or to compliment celebrities they admire (“Zendaya’s face card never declines. She’s literally so gorgeous”).
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d5\/Face-Card-Never-Declines-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Face-Card-Never-Declines-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d5\/Face-Card-Never-Declines-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Face-Card-Never-Declines-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This contributed to the phrases spread and popularity. For example, it makes an appearance in hits like Beyoncé’s “Heated” (“Face card never declines, my God!”) and Troye Sivan’s “One of Your Girls” (“Face card, no cash, no credit”). [3]
    3. Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:

How to Use “Face Card Never Declines”

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ec\/Face-Card-Never-Declines-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Face-Card-Never-Declines-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ec\/Face-Card-Never-Declines-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Face-Card-Never-Declines-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If a friend looks absolutely amazing in an Instagram post, try commenting that their face card never declines (or any variation of the phrase) to show your admiration. You can also use the phrase to praise a celebrity’s beauty if you see a beautiful photo or video of them on social media. Here are some examples:
    • “You look stunning! The face card literally never declines.”
    • “The beauty in this pic is unmatched. Your face card is insane!”
    • “Taylor Swift’s face card never declines 😍”
    • “Beyoncé’s face card is always valid.”
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Face-Card-Never-Declines-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Face-Card-Never-Declines-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Face-Card-Never-Declines-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Face-Card-Never-Declines-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Although it’s used most commonly online or over text, the phrase also makes a great compliment if you're talking to someone face-to-face. For example, if your friend arrives at a party and they look incredible, you could say something like, “You look so beautiful tonight! Face card never declines.”
    3. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

Similar Slang Phrases

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/09\/Face-Card-Never-Declines-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Face-Card-Never-Declines-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/09\/Face-Card-Never-Declines-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Face-Card-Never-Declines-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    “Serving face” is a slang phrase that originates in Black and Latinx LGBTQ ballroom culture. It essentially means that someone looks exceptionally fierce, powerful, and beautiful. [4]
    • “You were totally serving face at the party last night. You looked so gorgeous!”
    • “I love your makeup! You’re totally serving face right now.”
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5a\/Face-Card-Never-Declines-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Face-Card-Never-Declines-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5a\/Face-Card-Never-Declines-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Face-Card-Never-Declines-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    “It’s giving” is another phrase that’s used to compliment someone’s appearance. Like "serving face," it also has roots in LGBTQ drag and ballroom culture. You can use this phrase to describe the specific energy someone is giving off (“Your face looks insanely beautiful in this pic. It’s giving model”), or to offer general admiration (“You look so good tonight. That makeup is giving”). [5]
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/38\/Face-Card-Never-Declines-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Face-Card-Never-Declines-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/38\/Face-Card-Never-Declines-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Face-Card-Never-Declines-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Often used to describe amazing outfits and impressive physiques, this popular gen Z slang term can also be used to compliment someone’s face. For example, you could say, “Your makeup is snatched tonight. You look perfect!” [6]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/af\/Face-Card-Never-Declines-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Face-Card-Never-Declines-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/af\/Face-Card-Never-Declines-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Face-Card-Never-Declines-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If someone “ate,” they did something flawlessly. People often use this term to compliment someone’s makeup, outfit, or physical appearance. For example, a social media user might post a photo of Rihanna on the red carpet and caption it, “Rihanna ate and left no crumbs.” [7]
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      Everything You Need to Know About Skibidi & Skibidi Toilet
      What Does "Sigma" Mean on TikTok?
      What Does "Bop" Mean in Slang & Why Is It Problematic for Girls?
      What Does "I'm Cooked" Mean? TikTok Slang, Explained
      What Does "Unc Status" Mean?
      What does "2 Man" Mean?
      What Did Doc Holliday Mean by “I’m Your Huckleberry”?
      What Zesty Really Means on TikTok
      Everything You Need to Know About the “My Roman Empire” TikTok Trend
      What Does the Slang Term “FAFO” Mean? (Plus How to Use It)
      What Is Glazing?
      Your Ultimate Guide to Millennial Slang
      What Does GGG Mean?
      143 Meaning, Origins & Related Codes
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://slang.net/meaning/face_card
      2. ↑ https://slang.net/meaning/face_card
      3. ↑ https://genius.com/Troye-sivan-one-of-your-girls-lyrics
      4. ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/e/slang/face/
      5. ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-z-slang-terms-meanings-2023-3
      6. ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/e/gen-z-slang/
      7. ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-z-slang-words-2024-4

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 3,774 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement