bodypaint

Etymology

From body + paint.

Why this word is great

BODYPAINT — [noun] A decorative medium involving the direct application of pigmented designs to living skin. From body (the physical form) + paint (colored coating applied to a surface). Unlike tattoos (permanent dermal implants) or cosmetics (subtle facial enhancements), bodypaint transforms the epidermis into a temporary canvas for artistic or ceremonial expression. Warriors daubed themselves for battle, modern festival-goers shimmer as living sculptures, and performance artists dissolve boundaries between flesh and art with a single shower.

noun

  1. A method of decorating the human or animal skin by applying a paint to the surface.
  2. A decorative image made on the skin with the special paint.