kiss curl: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, historical, fashion/beauty.
Quick answer
What does “kiss curl” mean?
A small, tight, circular curl of hair, especially one shaped to lie on the cheek, temple, or forehead.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, tight, circular curl of hair, especially one shaped to lie on the cheek, temple, or forehead.
A hairstyle element; historically associated with specific fashions and coquettishness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term. 'Kiss curl' is the standard form in UK English. In US English, 'spit curl' is a more common synonym, though 'kiss curl' is understood.
Connotations
In UK English, it retains a slightly old-fashioned, charming connotation. In US English, 'spit curl' can have a more informal, historical (e.g., 1920s flapper) or theatrical connotation.
Frequency
More frequent in UK English. In the US, 'spit curl' or simply 'a curl on the forehead/temple' is more likely.
Grammar
How to Use “kiss curl” in a Sentence
She has/|wears a kiss curl.She styled/shaped a kiss curl.A kiss curl adorned her temple.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “kiss curl” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She decided to kiss-curl her fringe for the vintage look.
- The stylist expertly kiss-curled the hair at her temples.
American English
- She spit-curled her bangs for the Roaring Twenties party.
- He styled his hair with a spit-curled forelock.
adverb
British English
- Her hair was styled kiss-curly at the sides.
American English
- She wore her hair spit-curly for the audition.
adjective
British English
- She sported a kiss-curl hairstyle.
- The kiss-curl effect was achieved with setting lotion.
American English
- Her spit-curl bangs were iconic.
- He had a very distinctive spit-curl look.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare, except in specific contexts like hairdressing supply or historical costume businesses.
Academic
Used in historical, fashion, or cultural studies discussing hairstyles and aesthetics.
Everyday
Used when describing a specific, noticeable hairstyle detail, often with a nostalgic or descriptive tone.
Technical
Used in hairdressing and wig-making to describe a specific technique for creating a flat, circular curl.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “kiss curl”
- Using it to describe any small curl (e.g., at the nape of the neck).
- Misspelling as 'kiss-curle' or 'kis curl'.
- Confusing it with 'corkscrew curl', which is a spiral, not necessarily flat on the skin.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A ringlet is a general term for a long, spiralling curl. A kiss curl is specifically a small, flat, circular curl designed to lie against the skin on the face.
Historically, yes, especially in the 18th century and in certain subcultures. Today, it's far less common for men but possible in specific fashion or theatrical contexts.
Traditionally, by wetting a small section of hair and shaping it into a flat circle against the skin, securing it until dry. Modern methods use styling products, heated curlers (like a flat-curl iron), or pre-made fake hairpieces.
The name suggests the curl is placed in a spot (cheek, temple) where one might be kissed, implying charm and coquetry. The US term 'spit curl' comes from the old practice of using saliva to dampen the hair to shape it.
A small, tight, circular curl of hair, especially one shaped to lie on the cheek, temple, or forehead.
Kiss curl is usually informal, historical, fashion/beauty. in register.
Kiss curl: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɪs ˌkɜːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɪs ˌkɝl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly; related to 'crowning glory' (hair).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a curl placed to be 'kissed' on the cheek or forehead.
Conceptual Metaphor
BODY PART IS A CANVAS FOR DECORATION (the face/cheek is a place to 'place' a decorative curl).
Practice
Quiz
Which term is a direct synonym for 'kiss curl', primarily used in American English?