What is "pieing"

Pi \Pi\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Pied; p. pr. & vb. n. Pieing.] (Print.) To put into a mixed and disordered condition, as type; to mix and disarrange the type of; as, to pi a form. [Written also pie.]

n. An instance of throwing a pie at someone, most prominently a politician or other powerful or influential person as a means of protest. vb. (present participle of pie English)

Pieing is the act of throwing a pie at a person or people. This may be a simple practical joke, but can be a political action when the target is an authority figure, politician, or celebrity and can be used as a means of protesting against the target's political beliefs, or against perceived arrogance or vanity. Perpetrators generally regard the act as a form of ridicule to embarrass and humiliate the victim. In most or all jurisdictions, pieing is punishable as battery, and may constitute assault as well.

In pieing, the goal is usually to humiliate the victim while avoiding actual injury. For this reason the pie is traditionally of the cream variety without a top crust, and is rarely if ever a hot pie. In Britain, a pie in the context of throwing is traditionally referred to as a custard pie. An aluminum pie pan or paper plate filled with whipped cream or shaving foam can substitute for a real pie.

Pieing and pie fights are a staple of slapstick comedy, and pie "tosses" are also common charity fundraising events, especially in schools. Pieing is also particularly popular in Brazil, where it is known as "torta na cara" and is featured prominently on the Brazilian game show Passa ou Repassa on Sistema Brasileiro de Televisão and Agora Torta ("Now Pie") as well as in a very large number of YouTube videos (several per day) uploaded by Brazilian channels.