mayonnaise face

mayonnaise face

English

Etymology

A reference to the paleness of the person’s complexion, like the colour of mayonnaise.

Pronunciation

• Hyphenation: may‧on‧naise face

Noun

mayonnaise face (plural mayonnaise faces)

1. (slang, derogatory, ethnic slur) A person of northern, western, or central European heritage, especially in contrast to someone of southern Italian or Sicilian heritage.
   • 2008, Georgia Durante, The Company She Keeps, →ISBN, unnumbered page:

     Tommy was the only mayonnaise face in the group, a tall, thin Irish guy with curly red hair, jail-pale skin, and a quick wit.

   • 2009, Tommy Jon Caduto, Fight Or Die: The Vinny Paz Story, →ISBN, p 10

     "How does this mayonnaise face," referring to O'Grady, "know how hard Vinny can punch?"

   • 2015, Kris Saknussemm, Private Midnight: A Novel, →ISBN, unnumbered page

     Naomi Sparks, an alternate cheerleader I'd made out with once in my car and had never spoken to since—after she called me Mayonnaise Face.

See also

• paleface