General
slap
What does slap mean?
By extension, the act of making up the eek, central to drag and camp self-presentation.
"Half a tin of slap and she was transformed."
Origin
Polari and theatrical slang of 20th-century Britain; 'slap' for make-up comes from the stage, where greasepaint was slapped on, and is listed among Polari terms by Paul Baker.
Frequently asked questions
What does slap mean in Polari?
It means make-up, especially heavy theatrical make-up.
Where does slap come from?
From theatre slang, where greasepaint was 'slapped' onto the face.
Why is slap linked to drag?
Make-up is central to camp and drag self-presentation, and 'slap' was the everyday Polari word for it.
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