bastard pointing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2+ (Very Low Frequency)Technical/Professional (Architecture, Construction, Restoration)
Quick answer
What does “bastard pointing” mean?
A bricklaying technique where the mortar joint is recessed to create a decorative shadow effect.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A bricklaying technique where the mortar joint is recessed to create a decorative shadow effect.
In architecture and masonry, a type of flush pointing where the mortar is finished below the brick surface, producing a visually sharp, neat joint line. It requires skill to execute correctly.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is more commonly used and recognised in UK contexts, especially concerning historic building techniques. In the US, terms like 'recessed pointing' or 'tooled joint' might be used, but 'bastard pointing' is understood in specialist circles.
Connotations
Purely technical, with no negative connotation from 'bastard' in this context. Signifies a specific skilled trade technique.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, confined to specialist texts and trade discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “bastard pointing” in a Sentence
[Mason] applied bastard pointing to [the brickwork].The [restoration] specified bastard pointing.[The joint] was finished in bastard pointing.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bastard pointing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The conservation team decided to bastard-point the Victorian facade.
American English
- The mason will bastard-point the chimney to match the original style.
adverb
British English
- The joints were finished bastard-point, exactly as per the heritage specification.
American English
- N/A (Rare to adverbial use)
adjective
British English
- The bastard-pointed joints gave the wall a crisp, shadowed appearance.
American English
- We need a mason skilled in bastard-pointing techniques.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in papers on architectural history, conservation, and building technology.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in masonry specifications, restoration guidelines, and trade manuals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bastard pointing”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bastard pointing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bastard pointing”
- Using it in non-technical contexts.
- Assuming 'bastard' carries its modern offensive meaning.
- Confusing it with 'tuck pointing' (which uses two colours of mortar).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. In this technical context, 'bastard' is an old term meaning 'irregular' or 'of a non-standard type', similar to 'bastard file' in metalwork. It carries no pejorative meaning here.
The mortar joint is finished flush with or slightly recessed below the brick face, creating a clean, sharp shadow line that emphasises the shape of each brick.
It would be very unusual and confusing unless you are specifically talking about bricklaying or building restoration with someone familiar with the trade.
Bastard pointing is a recessed, single-colour mortar joint. Tuck pointing is more decorative: the joint is filled with a base mortar, then a thin, raised line of a different coloured mortar ('tuck') is applied in the centre.
A bricklaying technique where the mortar joint is recessed to create a decorative shadow effect.
Bastard pointing is usually technical/professional (architecture, construction, restoration) in register.
Bastard pointing: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɑːstəd ˈpɔɪntɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbæstərd ˈpɔɪntɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'bastard' file in metalwork – it's of a non-standard grade. 'Bastard pointing' is a non-standard (recessed) finish for a mortar joint.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A for this technical term.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'bastard pointing' exclusively used?