Whitewashing: meaning, definitions and examples

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whitewashing

 

[ หˆwaษชtหŒwษ”หสƒษชล‹ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

cultural practice

Whitewashing refers to the practice of glossing over or covering up undesirable facts about a person or group, often to create a more favorable image. It is commonly used in discussions about diversity in media and representation, where certain groups are deliberately excluded or downplayed.

Synonyms

cover-up, disguise, glossing over.

Examples of usage

  • The film was criticized for its whitewashing of historical figures.
  • Activists called out the whitewashing of minority voices in the documentary.
  • The company faced backlash for whitewashing its recruitment practices.
Context #2 | Noun

cosmetic term

In a cosmetic context, whitewashing can refer to the application of a lighter shade of makeup or paint to achieve a desired aesthetic effect. This term can also imply an unrealistic portrayal of skin tone.

Synonyms

bleaching, lightening, whitening.

Examples of usage

  • The artist used whitewashing to create an ethereal look.
  • The fashion industry's penchant for whitewashing skin tones has been heavily criticized.
  • Makeup tutorials often discuss the dangers of whitewashing in beauty standards.

Translations

Translations of the word "whitewashing" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น branqueamento

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเคซเฅ‡เคฆ เคงเฅ‹เคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช WeiรŸwaschen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ pencucian putih

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฑั–ะปั–ะฝะฝั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ biaล‚e mycie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ›ใƒฏใ‚คใƒˆใ‚ฆใ‚ฉใƒƒใ‚ทใƒณใ‚ฐ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท blanchiment

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ blanqueo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท beyazlatma

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฐฑ์ƒ‰ ์„ธํƒ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชุจูŠูŠุถ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ bฤ›lenรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ bielenie

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆผ‚็™ฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ beljenje

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hvรญtun

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐา›ั‚ะฐัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ—แƒ”แƒ—แƒ แƒ˜ๆด—แƒ”แƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ aฤŸartma

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ blanqueo

Etymology

The term 'whitewashing' originated in the mid-19th century, primarily in the context of painting and home renovations. It comes from the practice of using whitewash, a simple mixture of slaked lime and water, to cover walls. Over time, the word's usage expanded beyond its literal meaning to describe any act of concealment or beautification that removes unpleasant facts or truths. The term gained prominence in social and political discourses, especially during the 20th century, as issues of race, diversity, and representation in media and literature started to gain attention. The figurative use of 'whitewashing' reflects ongoing cultural conversations around authenticity and the distortions of historical narratives.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,313 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.