What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
squiggle
Example
The child drew squiggles all over the paper. [squiggles: noun]
Example
The river flowed in a squiggly line through the valley. [squiggly: adjective]
curlicue
Example
The invitation was adorned with curlicues and swirls. [curlicues: noun]
Example
The artist added curlicues to the lettering to make it more interesting. [curlicues: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Squiggle is more commonly used than curlicue in everyday language. Squiggle is a more general term that can be used in various contexts, while curlicue is more specific and often used in artistic or design-related fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between squiggle and curlicue?
Curlicue is typically associated with a more formal and sophisticated tone, while squiggle is more casual and playful.
