war paint
C1Informal, Figurative
Definition
Meaning
Paint applied to the face or body by warriors, especially in some Indigenous cultures, before going into battle.
Figuratively, heavy makeup or cosmetics applied, often humorously or critically, in preparation for a social event, confrontation, or performance.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The literal use is historical/specific. The figurative use is more common in modern contexts, often with a humorous or slightly mocking tone regarding someone's cosmetic preparation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both use the figurative sense.
Connotations
The figurative use carries the same slightly humorous/jocular or critical connotation in both varieties.
Frequency
The figurative sense is likely more frequent in both varieties than the literal sense.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
apply + war paint + to + face/bodybe + in + war paintput on + war paintVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Put your war paint on (figurative: prepare yourself mentally and physically for a challenge).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rarely used. Could be used jokingly: "The negotiation team put on their war paint for the merger talks."
Academic
Used in anthropological, historical, or cultural studies contexts to describe the literal practice.
Everyday
Used figuratively and humorously about getting ready with makeup: "Give me ten minutes to put my war paint on before we go out."
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The children painted their faces like war paint for the play.
- She said she needed half an hour to apply her war paint before the party.
- Before the big presentation, he joked that he was off to put on his corporate war paint.
- The documentary examined the cultural significance of ceremonial war paint among various tribes.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a warrior preparing for BATTLE (WAR) by applying colourful PAINT. Now think of someone preparing for a 'social battle' (a party, meeting) by applying makeup.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL INTERACTION IS WARFARE (e.g., 'going into battle' at a meeting, 'arming oneself' with makeup).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque "военная краска". For the literal meaning, use "боевой раскрас". For the figurative, a descriptive phrase like "боевой макияж" or "боевой грим" works, but it's an English idiom.
Common Mistakes
- Using it to refer to any paint used in war (e.g., tank paint). It specifically refers to body/face paint.
- Using the figurative sense in overly formal contexts.
Practice
Quiz
In its most common modern figurative usage, 'war paint' refers to:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The literal use, when describing specific cultural practices, should be done with respect and accuracy. The figurative use is informal and generally not offensive, though it can be seen as flippant if used about someone's serious cosmetic routine.
No, 'war paint' is exclusively a noun. You cannot say 'to war paint one's face'. The correct phrasing is 'to apply war paint' or 'to put on war paint'.
'War paint' is culturally specific body decoration, often bright and symbolic. 'Camouflage paint' is military-grade paint applied to skin, equipment, or vehicles to blend with the environment and is not culturally specific.
No, while often associated with women's makeup, it can be used humorously for anyone's preparation ritual (e.g., a man 'putting on his war paint' could mean styling his hair, choosing a sharp suit).