spit curl

noun

: a spiral curl that is usually plastered on the forehead, temple, or cheek

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Brandon Routh just missed the superhero movie boom by a spit curl. David Betancourt, Washington Post, 9 Dec. 2019 The hair was short, combed forward, and arranged in sort of spit curls around the temples. Michael Lindsay-hogg, Town & Country, 22 Aug. 2013 The classic look would often get sexed up with spit curls that lay slicked to the forehead, at the nape of the neck, or in front of the ear, thanks to the influence of Josephine Baker. Rebecca Norris, Allure, 22 May 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spit curl.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

probably from its being sometimes plastered down with saliva

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spit curl was in 1831

Dictionary Entries Near spit curl

Cite this Entry

“Spit curl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spit%20curl. Accessed 31 Mar. 2023.

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