Curliewurly

/ˈkɜːrliˌwɜːli/ adjective

Definition

Having a lot of decorative spiral patterns or curls; ornately twisty and elaborate.

Etymology

Variant spelling of 'curliewurlie,' combining 'curly' with Scottish 'wurly' (spinning), used to describe anything with excessive decorative curling.

Kelly Says

This is a word that sounds like what it means—say it aloud and you can almost hear the spinning, twirling motion in the double syllables, which is called 'phonetic iconicity' and happens a lot in playful English words.

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