curlicue: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Less Common)Formal, Literary, Artistic
Quick answer
What does “curlicue” mean?
A decorative twist, curl, or spiral, especially in handwriting, art, or metalwork.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A decorative twist, curl, or spiral, especially in handwriting, art, or metalwork.
Any small, intricate, and ornamental spiral or looping shape, pattern, or flourish.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
None in meaning. The word is spelled the same. Slight potential for the verb form to be more common in US arts & crafts contexts.
Connotations
Equally whimsical, decorative, and slightly old-fashioned in both varieties.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, with very slight edge in American English due to common use in describing pastry decoration (e.g., frosting curlicues) and wrought-iron work.
Grammar
How to Use “curlicue” in a Sentence
[verb] + curlicue: draw, add, embellish with, feature, decorate with[adjective] + curlicue: elaborate, ornate, graceful, superfluouscurlicue + [of + noun]: a curlicue of smoke, a curlicue of icingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “curlicue” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The Victorian gate was curlicued with intricate ironwork.
- She curlicued the initial letter in the old manuscript.
American English
- The baker curlicued the edges of the pie crust beautifully.
- He curlicued his signature with a final dramatic flourish.
adverb
British English
- [Extremely rare; not standard usage]
American English
- [Extremely rare; not standard usage]
adjective
British English
- The curlicue script was difficult to read.
- They admired the gate's curlicue design.
American English
- The wedding cake had a curlicue frosting border.
- Her notes were full of curlicue doodles in the margins.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Might appear metaphorically in criticism of overly complex, non-essential details in a report or presentation.
Academic
Used in art history, calligraphy, architecture, and design to describe specific decorative motifs.
Everyday
Used to describe decorative patterns in baking (cake icing), handwriting, or home decor (metal railings).
Technical
Used in typography (font design), graphic design, and metalworking.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “curlicue”
- Misspelling: 'curlycue' or 'curly-q' (though 'curly Q' is an informal variant).
- Using it to describe large, structural spirals (like a spiral staircase) – it implies small, decorative detail.
- Confusing it with 'squiggle', which is less formal and more chaotic.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is considered formal or literary. In everyday speech, people might say 'fancy swirl' or 'little curl' instead.
Yes, though less common. It means 'to decorate with curlicues' (e.g., 'She curlicued the edges of the invitation').
A curlicue is intentional, decorative, and often symmetrical or patterned. A squiggle is a quick, careless, often wavy line that is not designed to be ornamentally beautiful.
Yes, etymologically it is a blend of 'curly' and 'cue' (in the sense of a 'pigtail' or 'tail'). It's essentially a 'curly tail' shape.
A decorative twist, curl, or spiral, especially in handwriting, art, or metalwork.
Curlicue: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɜː.lɪ.kjuː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɝː.lɪ.kjuː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms with this word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CURLY CUE stick in a game of pool—it has a fancy, spiraled end. 'Curl-i-cue' = a 'cue' for a curl.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPLEXITY IS ORNAMENTATION (A simple idea decorated with verbal curlicues), FANCY IS TWISTED (His curlicue logic was hard to follow).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the use of 'curlicue' be LEAST appropriate?