Barbouillage

/bɑrˈbuːjɑʒ/ noun

Definition

A daub, smear, or hastily executed painting or writing; sloppy or careless work.

Etymology

From French 'barbouiller' (to daub or scribble), derived from 'barbe' (beard) and 'bouille' (mud), literally suggesting something as messy as a muddy beard.

Kelly Says

French artists used this term dismissively to describe paintings they considered rough sketches or poor quality—the artistic equivalent of calling something 'chicken scratch'!

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