smudge etymology

Etymology:

• Middle English: smogen, from Old English smōcian, meaning "to smoke, smolder"
• Proto-Germanic: *smōkijaną, from *smūkaz ("smoke")

Meaning:

• To smear or rub with something dirty, oily, or greasy
• To blur or smear (a surface, image, etc.)
• To smudge the face or body, especially for religious or cultural purposes

Origin:

The word "smudge" originated in Old English, where it referred to the act of smoking or smoldering. This sense of the word survives in phrases like "smoldering embers" and "smudge pots" used for repelling insects.

Over time, the meaning of "smudge" expanded to include any kind of smearing or blurring. This usage is likely derived from the visual similarity between smoke and dirt or grease.

In the 19th century, "smudge" began to be used specifically in the context of religious and cultural ceremonies, where it referred to the act of smearing ashes or paint on the face or body as a symbol of mourning, purification, or protection.

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