English · Phrasal verb Attested

paint down

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To apply blackface to (an actor).

Where it’s used: Used American English

White actors in blackface were so common that even Shirley Temple was painted down in The Littlest Rebel (1935).

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To coat with a substance through painting.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

What does “paint down” mean?

To apply blackface to (an actor).

Is “paint down” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.

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