Curvy

/ˈkɜːrvi/ adjective

Definition

Having many curves or bends; rounded and flowing in shape rather than straight or angular.

Etymology

From 'curve' (Latin 'curvus' bent) plus '-y' suffix to form an adjective. The descriptive term became common in English by the 17th century.

Kelly Says

Fashion industries use 'curvy' marketing strategically, but mathematicians and architects love curves too—a curved design is often stronger than straight lines because curves distribute stress more evenly.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Common gendered descriptor applied disproportionately to women's bodies, often reducing identity to shape and loading bodily diversity with aesthetic judgment.

Inclusive Usage

Use only in objective geometric contexts (curvy road). For bodies, use neutral descriptors or avoid physical description altogether unless relevant and consensual.

Inclusive Alternatives

["curved","rounded (geometric context)","shape-inclusive language"]

Related Words

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