smudge tool
Intentionally distorting an image with an effect similar to smudging one's finger across the page, causing colors and shapes to distend across the image.
This may give a melting or dissolving effect.
In digital art, this is usually achieved with a smudge tool (or 'smear tool'). However, the smudge effect may also be drawn manually, in a manner that mimics the tool (Example 1).
Examples
- Danbooru post #7777879: A hand-drawn "smudge" effect"
- Danbooru post #7763567: Used to employ horror elements
- Danbooru post #4508429: Used as an censored identity