grease-paint

grease-paint

An actor applies grease-paint before going on stage.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • Theatrical makeup: "grease-paint" refers to a type of oily or waxy cosmetic used by actors to create facial characters or enhance features for stage performances. It is typically applied thickly to be visible under bright lights.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • The actor applied grease-paint to transform his face into that of an old man. (Theatrical makeup used for character transformation.)
    • Before the show, the entire cast spent an hour putting on their grease-paint. (Oily makeup applied for stage performance.)
    • Grease-paint can be difficult to remove without special cleansers. (Theatrical makeup with a greasy texture.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to wear grease-paint": to have theatrical makeup on.

    • She wore grease-paint for the first time in a school play. (She used oily stage makeup.)

  • "to remove grease-paint": to clean off theatrical makeup.

    • After the performance, he used cold cream to remove his grease-paint. (To clean off the oily cosmetic.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Greasepaint (n): alternative spelling, often written as one word.
    • The circus clown's greasepaint was bright red and white. (Theatrical makeup used by performers.)
  • Grease-paint pencil (n): a stick of solid grease-paint for precise application.
    • He outlined his eyes with a grease-paint pencil. (A tool for applying theatrical makeup.)
Synonyms
  • Stage makeup: cosmetics specifically designed for theatrical use.
  • Theatrical makeup: makeup used in performances to alter appearance.
  • Face paint: a broader term for decorative paint on the face, though less specific to stage use.
Related Idioms
  • "In the grease-paint": a phrase referring to being in the theatre or acting profession.
    • He has spent forty years in the grease-paint, performing on Broadway. (Working as a stage actor.)
Additional Notes
  • Historical context: Grease-paint was traditionally made from a mixture of grease (such as lanolin) and pigments, but modern versions are often water-based or cream-based for easier removal.
  • Common usage: While "grease-paint" is specific to theatre, it is sometimes used metaphorically to describe any heavy or exaggerated makeup.