spackle
SPAK-uhl
/ˈspæk.əl/
A paste used to fill holes, cracks, and small imperfections in plaster, drywall, or wood before painting.
Spackle is specifically used for cosmetic, non-structural repairs on interior walls, unlike heavy-duty plaster or concrete mixes.
The story behind the word. The word originated as a trademarked brand name, 'Spackle', registered in the United States in 1927. It was derived from the German word 'Spachtel', which means spatula or putty knife, reflecting the tool used to apply the paste. Over time, the brand name became genericized, much like Kleenex or Band-Aid.
Word relationships
- putty: Putty is typically more oily and flexible, often used for sealing window panes, while spackle dries hard and chalky for easy sanding.
- plaster: Plaster is used for coating entire walls and structural work, whereas spackle is meant for minor spot repairs.
Commonly confused with
- caulk: Spackle dries hard and is meant to be sanded and painted over on flat walls, whereas caulk remains flexible and is used to seal joints where two surfaces meet.
Word family
- spackled (adjective): covered or repaired with spackle
- spackling (noun): the act or process of applying spackle
Collocations
- apply spackle
- dry spackle
- spackle paste
- spackle knife
Example sentences
- "Before you begin painting the living room, you must use spackle to fill in the small holes left by the old picture hooks." Home renovation advice
- "She carefully spackled the dent in the drywall, smoothing it out with a flexible putty knife until it was flush with the wall." DIY tutorial
Memory hook
Think of filling a 'speck' of dust or a tiny hole in the wall until the surface is 'shackle'-free and smooth. Spackle fills the speck on the wall.
When not to use
Do not use spackle to describe heavy cement, structural mortar, or waterproof sealants used in plumbing.
Fun facts
- Spackle was originally sold as a dry powder that homeowners had to mix with water themselves before pre-mixed tubs became the industry standard.
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