spit curl

American  

noun

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

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spit curl British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of spit curl

First recorded in 1825–35

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

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

I’d been afraid that maybe she had turned into a flapper with spit curls and spike heels and she might not like me.

From Literature