white up
C1 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
To put white paint or makeup on someone's face so they look white.
Literal meaning: To make something entirely white by applying a white substance upward or all over.
Meanings
1 C1 neutral
To apply white makeup or paint to a person's face or skin for theatrical or artistic purposes.
"The mime artist whited up before stepping onto the street to perform."
Grammar: separable
2 C1 neutral
To cover a surface with white paint or coating.
"They whited up the old brick wall to make the kitchen look brighter."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Primarily used in theatrical, performance art, or makeup contexts. Also used critically in discussions of historical racist stage practices such as minstrelsy. Use with awareness of sensitive cultural and racial connotations.
Commonly used with
face actor performer mime stage costume
Forms
Base
white up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
whites up
he/she/it
Past simple
whited up
yesterday
Past participle
whited up
have + pp
-ing form
whiting up
continuous
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Synonyms
paint white apply white makeup blanch pale
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