Dollface

/ˈdɑːlˌfeɪs/ noun

Definition

A person with a round, pretty face resembling a doll; a term of endearment or theatrical descriptor.

Etymology

English compound: 'doll' + 'face,' from the comparison of a person's face to a doll's conventionally attractive features.

Kelly Says

This term reveals beauty standards of specific eras—calling someone 'dollface' encoded an ideal of round, symmetrical, conventionally cute features that was valued in mid-20th-century popular culture.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Slang term that emerged in early 20th-century America, objectifying women by reducing them to their facial appearance and comparing them to dolls. Often used patronizingly toward women.

Inclusive Usage

Avoid entirely in respectful discourse. If discussing its historical use, contextualize as a dated, diminishing term.

Inclusive Alternatives

["[person's name/descriptor]","individual","woman (when appropriate)"]

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