war paint

• Ursprünglich die Farbe, mit der sich Krieger indigener Völker vor dem Kampf Gesicht und Körper bemalten; heute umgangssprachlich auch für auffälliges, dramatisches Make-up, besonders in kräftigen Farben oder zu einem bestimmten Zweck.

A term originally referring to the paint applied to the face and body by indigenous warriors before battle, now also used informally to describe heavy or dramatic makeup, especially when applied with bold colors or for a specific purpose.

1. Traditional body paintB2formal

   Pigments applied to the face or body by indigenous peoples before battle, often for intimidation or ritual purposes.

   Kriegsbemalung

   • The warriors applied their war paint before the ceremony.
   • Tribal war paint often had symbolic meanings.
   • He studied the patterns of traditional war paint.

2. Makeup (slang)B2slang

   A humorous or informal term for heavy or dramatic makeup, especially when worn for a special occasion.

   Kriegsbemalung (Slang)

   • She put on her war paint for the big party.
   • He joked that she needed her war paint before going out.
   • The actress applied her war paint before the red carpet event.