Bedaubing - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

smearing substance

Bedaubing is the act of applying a substance, often in a messy or careless manner, to a surface. This term is commonly used to describe the process of covering or coating something with materials like paint, mud, or grease. It implies a lack of precision, often resulting in an uneven or haphazard finish. Bedaubing can be used in both artistic contexts and practical applications, like preparing a surface for protection or decoration.

Synonyms

apply, coat, daub, smear.

Examples of usage

He began bedaubing the wall with bright colors.
The children enjoyed bedaubing their hands with paint.
She could see the artist bedaubing the canvas with thick strokes.
The soldiers were tasked with bedaubing their vehicles for camouflage.

Interesting Facts

Art

In painting, bedaubing can refer to an expressionist technique where bold, thick strokes are applied to create texture.
Artists like Jackson Pollock and Franz Kline employed similar concepts, where paint was applied freely and seemingly randomly for impact.
This method contrasts with more precise techniques found in traditional painting, favoring spontaneity over control.

Literature

The word appears in various literary works to describe the act of decorating scenes in a vibrant yet chaotic manner.
In 20th-century poetry, bedaubing became a metaphor for over-expressing emotions through excessively descriptive language.
Authors like Charles Dickens have vividly illustrated characters who 'bedaub' their surroundings, adding color to their narratives.

Cultural Significance

Traditional indigenous art often involves bedaubing techniques using natural pigments to create meaningful symbols.
Certain cultures celebrate renewal through festivals where participants bedaub their bodies with colorful powders, symbolizing good luck.
In modern times, cultural movements can employ bedaubing as a way of externalizing internal chaos and highlighting social issues through visual art.

Origin of 'bedaubing'

Main points about word origin

The term comes from the Middle English word 'bedawben,' which means to smear or daub.
It is derived from the Old French 'dauber,' which also means to plaster or smear.
The word reflects a long history of art techniques where materials are applied liberally and often casually.

The word 'bedaubing' stems from the Middle English word 'dauben,' which means to smear or to cover with a sticky substance. The prefix 'be-' is often used in English to give a sense of thoroughness or to denote being affected by the action of the verb. Historical usage of related terms can be traced back to Old English 'dofian,' signifying to smear or smear with filth. Over time, the usage has evolved and expanded to incorporate not only the idea of covering something with unwanted substances but also artistic applications. In modern contexts, 'bedaubing' can refer to various acts in areas as broad as mural painting to childhood art projects, reflecting its versatility in both literal and metaphorical expressions.

Bedaubing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations