powder one's nose en · VERB
Pronunciation
- (US) audio
Etymology
From the use of a lavatory as a place to apply makeup.
Meanings
-
(euphemistic, qualifier:typically of women) To visit a lavatory to use a toilet, reapply makeup, (when used of a group of women) engage in private conversation, etc.
"...Where's the ladies' in this joint? I've to powder me nose."
1996, Deirdre Purcell, Roses After Rain, page 335:I'll be right back. I just have to powder my nose.
C'mon girls; let's go powder our noses.
-
(slang) To snort cocaine or other types of drugs through one's nose.
The cokehead couldn't go more than a couple hours without powdering his nose.
Well I'll tell you what, I'll go to the bathroom and powder my nose, while you sit here and think of something to say.
1994, Quentin Tarantino, Roger Avary, Pulp Fiction, spoken by Mia Wallace (Uma Thurman):
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| powdering one's nose | Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| powdered one's nose | Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| powdered one's nose | Tense=Past | lexicographic | |
| powders one's nose | Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres | lexicographic |