schmieren

Schmieren is a German verb meaning to spread a sticky or greasy substance over a surface, or to coat something with fat, oil, glue, paint, or similar materials. In everyday language it covers practical actions such as spreading butter on bread or applying glue to a project, as well as technical tasks like lubricating machinery with oil or smoothing a surface with a lubricant.

Figuratively, schmieren can refer to the act of smearing or defaming someone, especially in political or media contexts. A smear campaign is described in German as eine Schmierkampagne. The related noun Schmiererei denotes graffiti or vandalism, literally a “smearing” of a surface.

Etymology: Schmieren derives from Old High German smeren, through Middle High German smeren, with roots in Proto-Germanic languages related to Dutch smeren and English smear. The core sense is the application of a coating that covers or obscures what lies beneath.

See also: Schmiergeld (bribe), Schmiererei (vandalism/graffiti), Schmierstoff or Schmiermittel (lubricant).