matt vs. matte
Usually, the UK English users use French spellings (i.e. theatre) (and sometimes words, i.e. courgette), compared to American English users (i.e. theater). This accounts for many of the spelling differences between the languages. In painting, however, I have, for the first time, found an instance where what looks the reverse of this is true. In the UK, it's "matt" paint, while in the U.S. "matte" is the usual spelling. What does Canadian English do for this?
to cut in
Off the top of my head, "to cut in" refers to intrusive cars and the combination of flour and fat. Clearly, it refers to painting around the edge of wall fixtures, such as electrical outlets/sockets too. The OED mentions whale fat (but in the sense of getting rid of, not including, the fat), but not butter, and certainly not paint, in its 8 types of "to cut in".
desperance suggests an origin having to do with wallpaper (which would involved actual cutting) which was then extrapolated to include paint.
spackling
In the US, one spackles a hole in the wall before painting. What verb does one do with Polyfilla? Or does one not verb it?
Usually, the UK English users use French spellings (i.e. theatre) (and sometimes words, i.e. courgette), compared to American English users (i.e. theater). This accounts for many of the spelling differences between the languages. In painting, however, I have, for the first time, found an instance where what looks the reverse of this is true. In the UK, it's "matt" paint, while in the U.S. "matte" is the usual spelling. What does Canadian English do for this?
to cut in
Off the top of my head, "to cut in" refers to intrusive cars and the combination of flour and fat. Clearly, it refers to painting around the edge of wall fixtures, such as electrical outlets/sockets too. The OED mentions whale fat (but in the sense of getting rid of, not including, the fat), but not butter, and certainly not paint, in its 8 types of "to cut in".
55. cut in.
a. trans. To carve or engrave in intaglio.
b. Whale-fishery. To cut up (a whale) so as to remove the blubber.
c. intr. To penetrate or enter sharply or abruptly; esp. so as to make a way for oneself or occupy a position between others. In later use also, to drive a motor-vehicle between two others which are passing each other in opposite directions; more recently, to drive a motor vehicle, cycle, etc., past another and move sharply in front of the overtaken vehicle. Also transf.
d. To interpose or interrupt abruptly in conversation or the like; to strike in. So cut into for cut in to. spec. To have one's name added to a lady's dancing programme; also (orig. U.S.), to supersede a partner during a dance.
e. Card-playing. To join in a game (of whist) by taking the place of a player cutting out q.v.
f. To receive a share (of profits, booty, etc.); also trans. (orig. U.S.), to give (a person) a share; freq. with on. slang.
g. trans. To connect (an electric circuit, etc.). Also intr. of a motor.
h. trans. To insert (a scene) into a film sequence. Also transf.
spackling
In the US, one spackles a hole in the wall before painting. What verb does one do with Polyfilla? Or does one not verb it?
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I fill holes OR spackle, no matter the filling substance (my current fave is one that goes on pink, and dries white, so you know it's fully dried before painting!)
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I polyfilla holes, but I probably verb more nouns than most people. Both 'Spackle' and 'Polyfilla' are brand names, though, so they ought to be equally acceptable as verbs. I think the non-proprietary term is, rather boringly, just 'fill'.
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language. Then they arrival for the nouns, and I speech nothing because I
no verbs."
(Peter Ellis in alt.fan.pratchett)
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Also, I bet some people use the term "spackle" even if they're not using actual Spackle.
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I think you "cut in" when painting because you have to use a sharp-edged brush. And a very steady hand. My husband always insists on loosening light switches etc so you can paint behind them properly. Few are as
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And I don't spackle/polyfil anything. I make someone else do it.
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I'll check my Canadian OED (Self proclaimed foremost authority on Canadian English) about Matt vs. Matte.
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