slather
/ˈslaðə
/verb [with object] informal
1Spread or smear (a substance) thickly or liberally: slather on some tanning lotion...
- When finished, remove from the fire, slather on the garlic butter, and set aside for five minutes.
- After the hive adventure, I now truly appreciate the effort, from bees and dedicated bee-keepers alike, that goes into the honey I slather on to toast or drizzle over porridge.
- You can't slather on powder when every grain looks like a boulder on your client's face.
1.1Spread or smear a substance thickly or liberally on: scones slathered with clotted cream...
- Try it toasted and slathered with honey butter or topped with cream cheese and smoked salmon.
- He also slathers his skis with his own groovy graphics.
- Because her children are not turkey fans, Judith created a Thanksgiving feast focusing on cranberry stuffed pork loin that is slathered with a garlic-onion jam.
noun (often slathers) North American informal
A large amount.We had it for tea, toasted for breakfast, and as a foundation for fruit desserts, with fresh or poached berries, poached plums or peaches, and slathers of heavy cream poured over everything....
- We headed down to the river's edge wearing shorts, swimsuits, life jackets, tennis shoes (no flip-flops allowed), and a generous slather of suntan lotion.
- This unique stone layer runs in an ellipse across France and is also responsible for the best Champagne, Sancerre and a slather of great German wines.
Phrases
open slather
Origin
Early 19th century: of unknown origin.