kewpie doll: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, occasionally literary
Quick answer
What does “kewpie doll” mean?
A type of small doll with a distinctive chubby face, big eyes, a topknot of hair, and a cherubic appearance, originally based on the cartoon character "Kewpie".
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of small doll with a distinctive chubby face, big eyes, a topknot of hair, and a cherubic appearance, originally based on the cartoon character "Kewpie".
Often used metaphorically to describe a person (especially a woman or child) with an overly sweet, cute, innocent, or doll-like appearance; can carry negative connotations of artificiality, childishness, or lack of substance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More widely recognized in American English due to the doll's American origin (Rose O'Neill, 1912). In British English, it's understood but less culturally embedded.
Connotations
Similar in both, but metaphorical use might be slightly more common in American pop culture commentary.
Frequency
Low in both, but slightly higher frequency in AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “kewpie doll” in a Sentence
She has a kewpie-doll face.He compared her to a kewpie doll.The actress's kewpie-doll looks.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “kewpie doll” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She had a faintly kewpie-doll quality about her.
American English
- Her kewpie-doll appearance was perfect for the vintage-themed photo shoot.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused.
Academic
Rare, might appear in cultural studies, history of toys, or gender studies discussing imagery of women.
Everyday
Used descriptively for appearance, often in gossip or entertainment media.
Technical
Used in collectibles/antiques (toy collecting).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “kewpie doll”
- Misspelling: 'cupie', 'q-pie', 'koopie'.
- Using it as a general compliment (it's often backhanded).
- Confusing it with 'Barbie doll' (different aesthetic).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it originated as a trademark for dolls based on Rose O'Neill's cartoon character, but the term is now generic for the style.
It's very rare and would be highly unusual. The term is strongly gendered feminine.
It can be patronizing and dismissive, reducing a person to a childish, cute appearance. It's often considered a backhanded compliment.
A kewpie has a specific, chubby, cartoonish baby-face with a topknot. A china doll typically refers to a more realistic, delicate-faced doll made of porcelain.
A type of small doll with a distinctive chubby face, big eyes, a topknot of hair, and a cherubic appearance, originally based on the cartoon character "Kewpie".
Kewpie doll is usually informal, occasionally literary in register.
Kewpie doll: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkjuːpi dɒl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkjuːpi dɑːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(as) cute as a kewpie doll”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
"KEWPIE" sounds like "Cute Pie" - a cute, pie-faced doll.
Conceptual Metaphor
APPEARANCE IS AN OBJECT (A person is a doll). INNOCENCE IS CHILDLIKE (A person is a baby doll).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common connotation when describing a person as a 'kewpie doll'?