spit curl: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, somewhat dated
Quick answer
What does “spit curl” mean?
A small, dampened curl of hair, often plastered flat against the forehead, temple, or cheek.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, dampened curl of hair, often plastered flat against the forehead, temple, or cheek.
A hairstyle element, historically popular, consisting of a single, often artificially formed, curl arranged deliberately on the face. Can refer to a similar natural curl that falls in that position.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in both varieties but is more commonly referenced in American cultural contexts (e.g., old Hollywood, vintage styles). A British equivalent term is 'kiss curl'.
Connotations
Both carry a vintage, often coquettish or old-fashioned connotation. 'Spit curl' can sound slightly more crude or pragmatic due to the reference to saliva.
Frequency
Rare in contemporary active use in both regions. 'Kiss curl' may be slightly more common in modern UK vintage/hairstyling contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “spit curl” in a Sentence
She had [a spit curl] on her forehead.He carefully formed [a spit curl].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spit curl” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She tried to spit-curl a strand of hair, but it wouldn't hold.
American English
- She spit-curled her bangs for the vintage look.
adverb
British English
- [Not typically used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not typically used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- She sported a spit-curl hairstyle for the themed party.
American English
- The actress had a spit-curl look in the black-and-white film.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, cultural, or fashion studies discussing period hairstyles.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used when describing an old photo, a costume, or a vintage look.
Technical
Used in hairdressing and theatrical/costume makeup contexts when creating period-accurate styles.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spit curl”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “spit curl”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spit curl”
- Confusing it with general 'ringlets' or 'curls'. A spit curl is specifically placed on the face.
- Using it to describe modern, voluminous curls.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not inherently vulgar, but it is informal and direct. The reference to 'spit' makes it sound less refined than its synonym 'kiss curl'.
Yes, historically. Spit curls were worn by both men and women in certain periods (e.g., 19th-century gentlemen, 1940s gangster styles).
Rarely for everyday styles, but they are still created for period theatre, film, television, or vintage-themed events using water, gel, or pomade instead of saliva.
A spit curl is defined by its placement (deliberately on the face) and often its flat, plastered look. A ringlet is a type of spiral curl that can be anywhere in the hair and is usually bouncy and three-dimensional.
A small, dampened curl of hair, often plastered flat against the forehead, temple, or cheek.
Spit curl is usually informal, somewhat dated in register.
Spit curl: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspɪt ˌkɜːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspɪt ˌkɝːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated with the term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a 1920s flapper **spit**ting on her finger to wet a single **curl** and stick it to her cheek.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CURL IS A DECORATIVE ACCENT (like a piece of jewellery placed on the face).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common British English synonym for 'spit curl'?