paper-hanger

A paper-hanger carefully smooths the new wallpaper onto the wall.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Someone who hangs wallpaper: "paper-hanger" refers to a person whose occupation is to apply wallpaper to walls as a decorative covering.
   • A swindler or con artist (slang, dated): In informal usage, "paper-hanger" can mean a person who passes forged checks or counterfeit money, likening the "paper" (checks or currency) to wallpaper.

Usage Examples

• Literal:
  • We hired a skilled paper-hanger to renovate the living room. (A professional who installs wallpaper.)
• Slang:
  • The police arrested a known paper-hanger for passing fake bills. (A forger of currency or checks.)

Advanced Usage

• "Paper-hanger" as a trade: Historically, paper-hanging was a specialized craft requiring precision in aligning patterns and smoothing wallpaper.
  • The paper-hanger carefully matched the floral pattern across the seams. (The worker ensured the wallpaper design was continuous.)

Variants and Related Words

• Paper-hanging (n): the activity or profession of applying wallpaper.
  • Paper-hanging requires patience and a steady hand. (The craft of installing wallpaper.)
• Wallpaper (n): decorative paper used to cover interior walls.
  • The wallpaper chosen by the paper-hanger had a subtle texture. (The material being applied.)

Synonyms

• Wallpaperer: another term for a person who hangs wallpaper.
• Decorator: a broader term for someone who designs and applies interior finishes, including wallpaper.
• Forger (slang context): a person who produces fake documents or currency.

Related Idioms

• Paper over the cracks: to hide problems or flaws superficially, similar to how wallpaper covers wall imperfections.
  • The manager tried to paper over the cracks in the project, like a paper-hanger hiding defects. (To conceal issues temporarily.)