greasepaint: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Very low frequencyLiterary, journalistic, theatrical; often used nostalgically or metaphorically.
Quick answer
What does “greasepaint” mean?
A waxy, oily makeup used by actors and other performers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A waxy, oily makeup used by actors and other performers.
By extension, can refer to the theatre, acting profession, or the artificiality of performance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Slightly more common in UK historical/theatrical writing.
Connotations
Evokes old-fashioned theatre (vaudeville, music hall, early cinema).
Frequency
Equally rare in both dialects, understood primarily by those with theatre knowledge.
Grammar
How to Use “greasepaint” in a Sentence
[Subject] applies/removes greasepaint.The smell of greasepaint [Verb].Longing for the greasepaint.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “greasepaint” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The ageing comedian would carefully greasepaint his face every evening.
- She had to greasepaint her arms for the period drama.
American English
- The actor greaspainted a thick moustache for the role.
- They greaspainted the children for the school play.
adjective
British English
- The greasepaint smell was unmistakable backstage.
- He wiped away a greasepaint tear.
American English
- She had a greasepaint stain on her collar.
- The greasepaint era of Hollywood has ended.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical studies of theatre or performance.
Everyday
Rare; only with specific reference to historical theatre.
Technical
Used in theatre history and some makeup artistry contexts to refer to the traditional oil-based product.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “greasepaint”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “greasepaint”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “greasepaint”
- Using 'greasepaint' to refer to modern, water-based stage makeup.
- Using it as a general synonym for all makeup.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditional oil-based greasepaint is largely replaced by modern, hypoallergenic, water-based stage makeup. The term is now used historically or metaphorically.
Greasepaint is oilier and waxier, designed to be highly visible under bright stage lights and to allow for bold, transformative effects. It is harder to remove than regular makeup.
Yes, though rarely. It means to apply greasepaint to (someone or oneself).
Because its primary historical base was a mixture of fats (like lard or petroleum jelly) with pigments, giving it a greasy consistency.
A waxy, oily makeup used by actors and other performers.
Greasepaint is usually literary, journalistic, theatrical; often used nostalgically or metaphorically. in register.
Greasepaint: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡriːspeɪnt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡriːspeɪnt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “smell of the greasepaint (a love for performing/the theatre)”
- “greasepaint and footlights (the world of the theatre)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a GREASEy tube of PAINT used to colour an actor's face.
Conceptual Metaphor
THEATRE IS ARTIFICIALITY (greasepaint represents the constructed persona of a performer).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'greasepaint' be LEAST appropriate?