papier-mache
UK[ˌpæpjeɪ ˈmæʃeɪ]US[ˌpeɪpər məˈʃeɪ]
n
A material made from paper pulp mixed with glue or paste, which can be molded when wet and becomes hard when dry.
n
Objects or artwork made from this material.
Morpheme Breakdown
papier
mache
papier
paper
mache
chewed
Etymology
The term 'papier-mâché' is a direct loan from French, literally meaning "chewed paper". This vividly describes the material's original preparation method, where paper was torn into pieces, soaked in water, and mashed or "chewed" into a pulpy consistency before being mixed with adhesive. The French term emerged in the 18th century to describe this craft technique, which itself has ancient origins, with similar practices found in China, Persia, and Egypt. The logic of the name perfectly captures the process: transforming sheets of paper ('papier') into a malleable, moldable substance through a vigorous, chewing-like action ('mâché').
Analysis
Structure: papier (paper) + mache (chewed)
papier: From French, meaning "paper". Ultimately from Latin 'papyrus', from Greek 'papyros', the name for the papyrus plant and the writing material made from it.
mache: From French 'mâché', the past participle of 'mâcher', meaning "to chew". Ultimately from Late Latin 'masticare', from Greek 'mastichan', meaning "to gnash the teeth".
Examples
The children made colorful masks and animals out of papier-mache for the school fair.
Traditional carnival floats are often constructed from a lightweight frame covered in papier-mache.
After the piñata broke, scraps of papier-mache and candy were scattered all over the floor.