spirit gum: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low Frequency (Domain-specific)Specialized / Technical (Theatrical, Film, Makeup Arts)
Quick answer
What does “spirit gum” mean?
A type of adhesive used in theatrical makeup, particularly for attaching false hair, beards, or prosthetics to the skin.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of adhesive used in theatrical makeup, particularly for attaching false hair, beards, or prosthetics to the skin.
Historically, a solvent-based adhesive with origins in theatrical and special effects makeup; also used metaphorically to refer to something that temporarily binds or attaches, but is not permanent.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is identical in both varieties. The domain of theatre/film has a shared professional lexicon.
Connotations
No difference in connotation; evokes professional theatre, film sets, or amateur dramatics equally in both regions.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, limited to the same specialized contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “spirit gum” in a Sentence
[Someone] applies spirit gum to [something/someone][Something] is attached with spirit gum[Someone] removes spirit gum from [something]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spirit gum” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He carefully spirit-gummed the moustache into place.
- You'll need to spirit-gum the lace front properly.
American English
- She spirit-gummed the prosthetic scar onto his cheek.
- Make sure you spirit-gum the edges down securely.
adjective
British English
- The spirit-gum residue was difficult to clean.
- A spirit-gum applicator is essential.
American English
- The spirit-gum adhesive held well under the lights.
- We're out of spirit-gum remover.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except perhaps in purchasing for a theatre or film production company.
Academic
Found in textbooks or papers on drama, performance studies, or special effects.
Everyday
Virtually never used; unknown to the general public outside of hobbyists.
Technical
Standard term within professional makeup artistry and theatrical wardrobe departments.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spirit gum”
- Pronouncing 'gum' as in 'gum tree' /ɡʌm/ is correct, not as in 'gum (mouth)' /ɡʌm/. (Note: They are homophones).
- Writing as one word 'spiritgum'.
- Confusing it with 'gum spirit' (an older term for turpentine).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is formulated for skin application in theatrical use, but it can cause irritation for some individuals, especially with prolonged use or sensitive skin. It should always be tested on a small area first and properly removed with a suitable solvent.
Traditional spirit gum is a solution of natural gum resins (like mastic or gum arabic) dissolved in a solvent, typically ethanol or acetone. Modern versions may use synthetic polymers.
Its primary use is in performance arts. Occasionally, it might be used in other crafts for temporary bonding of lightweight materials, but it is not designed as a general-purpose adhesive.
It is removed using a dedicated spirit gum remover or a gentle solvent like isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol), applied with a cotton pad to dissolve the adhesive, followed by cleansing the skin.
A type of adhesive used in theatrical makeup, particularly for attaching false hair, beards, or prosthetics to the skin.
Spirit gum is usually specialized / technical (theatrical, film, makeup arts) in register.
Spirit gum: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspɪrɪt ɡʌm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspɪrɪt ɡʌm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(As) sticky as spirit gum.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the 'spirit' of a character being 'gummed' (stuck) onto an actor's face.
Conceptual Metaphor
TEMPORARY ATTACHMENT IS SPIRIT GUM (e.g., 'Their agreement was held together with spirit gum, likely to fall apart soon.').
Practice
Quiz
In which context are you MOST likely to encounter the term 'spirit gum'?