Why is lipstick "lápiz de labios" ?

Question

when lápiz is pencil and labios is lips

Answer 1

For whatever it is worth, there are lip pencils in English:

And other options for lipstick in Spanish:

our dictionary:

1. carmín (m) pintalabios m inv (substance); lápiz (m) or (stick)barra (f) de labios (español de España), lápiz (m) rouge (CSur), bilet (m) (español de México)

wikipedia:

El pintalabios, lápiz labial, lápiz de labios o colorete en algunos países, es un producto cosmético que contiene pigmentos, aceites, ceras y emolientes que dan color y textura a los labios.

Answer 2

Welcome to the forum. Language is like that sometimes. Think of it, do you actually use a stick on your lips? The word stick in Spanish may not equate like a pencil would.

Answer 3

If you use an eyebrow pencil on your eyebrows, why wouldn't you use a lip pencil on your lips? It makes a lot more sense than using a stick on your lips.

That's what I think! - MLucie, Jan 7, 2012

Answer 4

"Làpiz de labios" is one one of the reasons I am constantly delighted with the Spanish language. So much more descriptive than "lipstick". Like "paraguas" or a hundred others!

Hmm, maybe I should make a thread....

I would have to disagree I find it to be the opposite. - Gregory84, Jan 6, 2012

not delighted in this reason I mean, its more complicated to say the same thing. - Gregory84, Jan 7, 2012

Really? I don't understand,Gregory. Maybe it's because you don't use very much lipstick! ;-) - MLucie, Jan 7, 2012

How is 'paraguas' delightful? How does it remind you of rain or a cover? - mathslover, Jan 7, 2012

Maths: Para + aguas = ? Get it? ;-) - MLucie, Jan 8, 2012

Answer 5

dictionary.com

1. a branch or shoot of a tree or shrub that has been cut or broken off.
2. a relatively long and slender piece of wood.
3. a long piece of wood for use as fuel, in carpentry, etc.
4. a rod or wand.
5. a baton.

What is lipstick? It's the rod or stick that we use for lips.

Answer 6

Probably the same reason as why the tool used to put on eyeshadow is called 'Eye Pencil' in Chinese?