A decorative swirl, spiral, or flourish, typically in writing, art, or design.
Possibly from curl + a fanciful suffix, or from French croquis (sketch). First appeared in English in the 1800s, combining curl with a whimsical ending.
Curlicues became fashionable in calligraphy and design during the Victorian era—the more elaborate and unnecessary the flourishes, the fancier and wealthier you appeared. Penmanship books taught specific curlicue techniques, and people competed over who could make the most ornate ones.
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