What does "curly" mean?

1. (hair or fur) having a curved or spiral shape rather than being straight. 2. (curved symbols) describes punctuation marks that curve, like 'smart' quotes. 3. (difficult) tricky or complicated to solve. 4. (a nickname) a name for someone with curly hair, or sometimes a joke name for a bald person.

How do you use "curly"?

Often used in the phrase 'a curly one' to refer to a difficult question.

curly

adj. · n.

US //ˈkɝɫi// UK //kˈɜːli// curly

1 hair or fur (adj.)
A2 Elementary

having a curved or spiral shape rather than being straight.

having curls or a spiral form; typically used to describe hair, fur, or fibers.

Example

She has beautiful curly hair that is difficult to brush in the morning.

Example

The breed is known for its thick, curly coat which provides excellent insulation against the cold mountain air.
- wavy
- coiled
- frizzy
- straight
2 curved symbols (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Computing

describes punctuation marks that curve, like 'smart' quotes.

referring to curved versions of punctuation marks, specifically quotation marks and apostrophes, as opposed to straight ones.

Example

The word processor automatically changed my straight quotes into curly ones.

Example

The graphic designer insisted on using curly quotes to give the typography a more professional and polished appearance.
- smart
- curved
- straight

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3 difficult (adj.)
C1 Advanced Dialect American English British English

tricky or complicated to solve.

describing a problem or situation that is particularly knotty, complicated, or difficult to resolve.

Example

That was a curly question that the teacher asked us during the exam.

Example

The negotiator faced a curly situation when both parties refused to compromise on the initial terms of the contract.

Usage

Often used in the phrase 'a curly one' to refer to a difficult question.

Teacher's tip

This sense is more common in Australian and British English than in American English.
- tricky
- knotty
- complex
- simple
- straightforward
4 a nickname (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Humorous

a name for someone with curly hair, or sometimes a joke name for a bald person.

a nickname for a person with curly hair; occasionally used ironically or humorously to refer to a bald individual.

Example

Everyone in the village calls him Curly because of his thick ringlets.

Example

In a classic display of dry humor, the group nicknamed their bald friend Curly.

Origin

From curl + -y.