What does papering mean?
Papering means covering a surface, especially a wall, with paper. It can also describe the act or material involved in such covering. In figurative expressions such as 'paper over,' it means to conceal or disguise a problem, often in a way that leaves the underlying difficulty unresolved. The word is common in household and decorating contexts, where it usually refers to applying wallpaper, but it can describe any deliberate attempt to place a paper-like covering over something. Because it evokes a thin layer placed over a rough or defective surface, 'papering' often carries a connotation of concealment or superficial treatment. It is distinct from merely sticking paper to an object, which is more usually described as paping.
To cover a surface with paper or wallpaper; figuratively, to conceal or disguise a problem.
"The crew papered over the damaged section of the wall."
The expression 'paper over' is especially common in political, legal, and personal contexts for treating a problem superficially.
The act of covering a surface with paper, or the paper used as a covering.
"The papering of the hallway took longer than expected."
This noun is generally used as an uncountable mass noun; a plural form is not normally used.
"The papering was completed before the furniture was moved back into the room."
Papering can mean literal wall covering or, figuratively, hiding a difficult issue beneath a smooth new surface.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does papering come from?
The word is formed from 'paper' plus the suffix '-ing', which can indicate an ongoing action or a resulting product. 'Paper' itself comes through Middle English from the Old French 'papier', ultimately from Latin 'papyrus', a material made from the pith of the papyrus plant. The modern sense of covering walls developed alongside the widespread use of decorative wallpaper, while figurative senses referring to concealment are much older in spirit.
Related word forms
How papering is actually used
In the figurative sense, 'papering over' usually suggests concealing a problem rather than solving it. The noun is generally uncountable in this use.
Easily confused with papering
Papering refers to covering a surface with paper, whereas paping usually means sticking paper or cardboard onto something.
Papering involves covering or disguising something with paper, while capering means behaving playfully or boastfully.