smeary

Smeary is an adjective describing surfaces or marks that are smeared, smudged, or blurred. It is commonly applied to physical surfaces such as photographs, prints, glass, or handwriting when a substance such as grease, ink, or moisture has caused irregular or indistinct marks. In informal use, smeary can describe anything that looks or feels unfinished or sloppy, including writing, work, or claims.

Usage and nuance: The term emphasizes the presence of smear rather than mere dirt; it often conveys a sense of messiness, lack of sharpness, or poor execution. It can describe cosmetics, where makeup appears smeared or smudged, especially around the eyes or lips; or a painting that has smeary strokes.

Etymology: Derived from smear, with the -y suffix forming an adjective meaning characterized by or inclined to. The word is chiefly found in informal registers, more common in British English; less formal than "smudged" or "smudgy" but widely understood.

See also: smear, smudge, smudged, smeared.