Papier-Mâché
/ˌpeɪ.pər məˈʃeɪ/noun
A modeling material made from paper pulp or strips combined with glue or paste.
Did you know?The French phrase evokes paper reduced to a soft, pulpy mass, although modern papier-mâché is usually made by soaking, shredding, or layering paper rather than chewing it.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
pápyros
“Papyrus plant, whose fibrous material was used for writing”
Classical Latin
Latin
papyrus
“Papyrus; writing material made from the plant”
Medieval Latin to Old French
Old French
papier
“Writing material made from papyrus or similar pulp”
Classical Latin
Latin
masticāre
“To chew or grind with the teeth”
17th Century
French
papier mâché
“Literally, “chewed paper”; paper softened into pulp or paste”
18th Century
English
papier-mâché
“A material formed from paper pulp or layered paper and adhesive”
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