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

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

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