An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Schminke
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Schminke, f., ‘paint (for the face), rouge,’ from the equiv. MidHG. sminke, smicke, f., allied to OHG. smëcchar, smëhhar, adj. ‘fine, pretty,’ AS. smicere, ‘fine, pretty.’ These are connected with schmeicheln (root smaikw?). Comp. Dan. smigre, Swed. smickra, ‘to flatter,’ E. to smicker, ‘to ogle.’