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Curly: meaning, definitions and examples

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curly

 

[ˈkərli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

hair

Having a lot of curls or waves in the hair.

Synonyms

curled, frizzy, wavy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
curly

Use in general context to describe hair or objects with tight, springy loops.

  • She has beautiful curly hair.
  • The curly ribbon added a nice touch to the gift.
wavy

Describes hair or objects with gentle, flowing curves that are less tight than curls.

  • She has long, wavy hair.
  • The wavy lines on the artwork added a soothing effect.
curled

Refers to something that has been wound or twisted into a circular or spiral shape.

  • The cat is curled up on the couch.
  • He curled the paper into a tube.
frizzy

Often describes hair that is tightly coiled, usually with a lack of smoothness or shine, and may imply a lack of grooming or care.

  • Her hair gets frizzy in humid weather.
  • After swimming, my hair tends to become frizzy.

Examples of usage

  • She has beautiful curly hair.
  • He likes to run his fingers through her curly locks.
Context #2 | Adjective

object

Having a twisted or spiral shape.

Synonyms

coiled, spiral, twisted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
curly

Often used to describe hair that has natural curls.

  • She has beautiful curly hair.
  • The doll has curly locks.
spiral

Ideal for describing objects or patterns that curve around a central point or axis.

  • The staircase has a spiral design.
  • The galaxy has a spiral shape.
twisted

Frequently used when objects have been turned or bent out of their original shape. Often has a negative connotation.

  • The car's metal frame was twisted after the accident.
  • She twisted the wires together.
coiled

Best suited for describing objects that are wound into a series of loops, like wires or ropes.

  • The garden hose was coiled neatly.
  • He found a coiled snake in the garden.

Examples of usage

  • The curly fries were a popular choice at the restaurant.
  • She decorated the gift with curly ribbons.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'curly' comes from the Old English word 'cyrlic,' which means 'twisted' or 'having curls.'
  • Related words in different languages, like 'caché' in French, are connected to the same idea of curling, showing a shared heritage.
  • The use of the term has evolved through literature, referring not only to hair but to any twisting shape.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, curly hair is celebrated as a sign of beauty and uniqueness, reflected in art and media.
  • Certain hairstyles, particularly natural curls, have become symbols of identity in various movements advocating for natural beauty.
  • The 'Curly Hair Movement' promotes the acceptance of natural curls, encouraging self-love and embracing one’s natural texture.

Science

  • Curly hair is shaped based on the size and shape of follicles in the scalp; oval follicles can lead to curliness while round ones typically lead to straighter hair.
  • Genetics play a major role in determining whether hair is straight, wavy, or curly, with multiple genes influencing this trait.
  • Curly hair tends to be drier than straight hair because the natural oils from the scalp have a harder time traveling down the twisted strands.

Pop Culture

  • Famous personalities like Billie Eilish and Oprah Winfrey have embraced their curly hair, inspiring many to do the same.
  • Curly hairstyles often appear in movies and TV shows, with characters being portrayed in diverse ways, emphasizing individuality.
  • The iconic 'curly' hairstyle of the 80s and 90s continues to make waves, influencing trends and fashion statements today.

Psychology

  • Research suggests people often associate curly hair with creativity and playfulness, contributing to societal stereotypes.
  • How people perceive curly hair can influence self-esteem; those with curly hair sometimes face different challenges compared to those with straight hair.
  • The media portrayal of curly hair fluctuates, impacting how individuals feel about their own hair, as acceptance of diverse hair types increases.

Translations

Translations of the word "curly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 encaracolado

🇮🇳 घुंघराला

🇩🇪 lockig

🇮🇩 keriting

🇺🇦 кучерявий

🇵🇱 kręcony

🇯🇵 カール

🇫🇷 bouclé

🇪🇸 rizado

🇹🇷 kıvırcık

🇰🇷 곱슬곱슬한

🇸🇦 مجعد

🇨🇿 kudrnatý

🇸🇰 kučeravý

🇨🇳 卷曲的

🇸🇮 kodrast

🇮🇸 krullað

🇰🇿 бұйра

🇬🇪 ხვეული

🇦🇿 qıvrım

🇲🇽 rizado

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,551, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.