croquignole: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low / ArchaicHistorical / Specialist (hairstyling)
Quick answer
What does “croquignole” mean?
A hairstyle of the early 20th century, a tight curl rolled from the ends of the hair towards the scalp.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hairstyle of the early 20th century, a tight curl rolled from the ends of the hair towards the scalp.
A small, tight curl; historically, a method of curling hair by winding it around a heated metal rod. Occasionally used to describe anything small, tight, and coiled.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant modern difference; the term is equally obsolete in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes the Edwardian or interwar period, vintage fashion.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both; slightly more likely in UK historical texts due to French influence.
Grammar
How to Use “croquignole” in a Sentence
Noun + of + hair/material (e.g., a croquignole of hair)Verb + into + croquignoles (e.g., set into croquignoles)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “croquignole” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The hairdresser would croquignole the client's fringe for a period-accurate look.
American English
- She had her hair croquignoled for the vintage photoshoot.
adverb
British English
- The hair was set croquignole-style, rolling upwards from the ends.
American English
- Her hair was curled croquignole, a technique popular in the 1920s.
adjective
British English
- Her croquignole curls were perfectly preserved under the net.
American English
- They admired the model's croquignole hairstyle in the antique advertisement.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used only in historical or fashion studies contexts.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
May be used in historical hairstyling or costume design.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “croquignole”
- Misspelling as 'croquignol', 'croquignolle'. Mispronouncing the 'gn' as /gn/ instead of /nj/. Confusing it with 'croquette' (a food).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a historical term. Modern hairdressers might refer to 'tight barrel curls' or 'ringlets' instead.
It comes from French, where 'croquignole' can mean a small crunchy biscuit or a flick of the finger, metaphorically extended to mean a small, tight curl.
Yes, though extremely rare. It can mean 'to curl (hair) into tight croquignoles'.
No. It is a highly specialised, archaic term. Learners should be aware of its existence only for very advanced historical or literary reading.
A hairstyle of the early 20th century, a tight curl rolled from the ends of the hair towards the scalp.
Croquignole is usually historical / specialist (hairstyling) in register.
Croquignole: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrɒkɪnjəʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkrɑːkɪnjoʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CROQUET ball with a KNEE and a ROLL: you hit a croquet ball with your knee and it rolls into a tight curl—a CROQUIGNOLE.
Conceptual Metaphor
HAIR IS A SPRING / COILED OBJECT.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'croquignole' primarily associated with?