The quality of being curved; the degree to which something has curves or rounded shapes.
From 'curvy' (adjective, curved) plus the noun suffix '-ness'. This informal term became more common in colloquial English during the 20th century, particularly in fashion and design contexts.
Fashion designers actually quantify curviness when designing clothes—fabrics with more drape and give allow for greater curviness in the silhouette, which is why expensive clothes fit curves better than cheap ones.
In modern usage, 'curviness' has become associated with body-type descriptors that disproportionately apply gendered standards to women's bodies. The term gained cultural weight in 20th-century beauty discourse, where 'curves' became a coded way to sexualize female body shapes.
Use descriptively and neutrally when discussing body morphology across all people. Avoid using as a proxy for attractiveness or femininity.
["body shape","contour","silhouette","anatomical feature"]
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