Having many curves and a rounded, shapely form, often used to describe a woman's body shape.
From 'curve' (from Latin 'curvus' meaning bent) plus the suffix '-aceous' (meaning full of or abounding in). Became common in the 20th century.
The word 'curvaceous' really took off in the 1950s when fashion magazines started using it to describe the 'ideal' female body shape—it's interesting how language captures beauty standards of specific eras!
Curvaceous is predominantly applied to women's bodies and has been weaponized in beauty standards that objectify women. The term commodifies female body shapes while implying approval only when meeting narrow aesthetic ideals.
Use descriptively and neutrally: 'curves' or 'curved' without implicit judgment. Apply equally across genders if discussing body shape. Avoid when the purpose is objectification.
["curved","with curves","rounded"]
Women's bodies have been reduced to 'curvaceousness' in male-gazed discourse. Reclaiming this term requires context that centers women's agency and bodily autonomy, not aesthetic consumption.
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