spit curl

noun

1. a tight curl of hair, usually pressed against the forehead or cheek.

spit curl

noun

1. a circular curl of hair pressed flat against the cheek or forehead Also called (esp British)kiss curl

Word History and Origins

Origin of spit curl¹

First recorded in 1825–35

Word History and Origins

Origin of spit curl¹

perhaps so called because it is sometimes plastered down with spittle

Example Sentences

Thelma Todd, a comic beauty in several Marx Brothers movies, appears in a black wig with spit curls as the other woman, Nelly.

From New York Times

It was the era of champagne and raccoon coats, spit curls and “makin’ whoopee.”

From Washington Post

The head sculpt is equally impressive featuring black shiny hair with the legendary spit curl, a square jaw, dimpled chin and a serious facial expression.

From Washington Times

The cowlicks were a little trouble, so she wet her bangs and made three spit curls.

From Literature

From around 540 B.C. comes the image of a young equestrian with chic spit curls and a strenuously confident, for-public-consumption grin.

From New York Times