Curtsy vs. Curtsey — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 6, 2024
Curtsy and curtsey are alternative spellings of the same gesture, where a person bends their knees while bowing slightly, typically done by women.
Difference Between Curtsy and Curtsey
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Curtsy involves a respectful body gesture where one bends the knees and bows slightly, usually performed by women as a sign of respect or in traditional dance. Curtsey, on the other hand, is simply an alternate spelling of the same term, reflecting regional preferences in English.
In American English, "curtsy" is the more commonly used spelling, indicating a standardized form in dictionaries and ballet contexts, whereas "curtsey" tends to appear more frequently in British English, though both forms are understood in each region.
When performing a curtsy, the individual typically bends their knees, keeping their back straight and often lowering their head slightly for added formality. Meanwhile, the curtsey follows the same physical guidelines, emphasizing grace and poise in the execution.
The use of curtsy can often be seen in formal events, such as meeting royalty or at formal balls, where it serves as a sign of deference and respect. Curtsey is used in the same contexts, illustrating that the choice between spellings does not change the cultural or social significance of the gesture.
Comparison Chart
Spelling Preference
Preferred in American English
More common in British English
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Usage in Literature
More frequent in U.S. publications
Often found in U.K. publications
Cultural Context
Used in formal and dance settings
Identical usage
Etiquette Training
Same guidelines for performance
Same as curtsy
Recognition in Dictionaries
Recognized as primary spelling
Recognized as an alternative
Compare with Definitions
Curtsy
An expression of deference or submission.
She gave a quick curtsy before taking the stage.
Curtsey
Alternative spelling of curtsy, a respectful gesture.
She remembered to curtsey at the end of her performance.
Curtsy
A respectful gesture made by bending the knees and slightly bowing.
She performed a curtsy when the queen entered.
Curtsey
A movement taught in traditional dance classes.
Each participant practiced the curtsey during rehearsal.
Curtsy
A movement in dance incorporating a knee bend and bow.
The ballerina ended her solo with a graceful curtsy.
Curtsey
Demonstrates humility and respect in social settings.
She performed a curtsey as she accepted the award.
Curtsy
A sign of respect in many traditional ceremonies.
The debutantes made a curtsy before the guests.
Curtsey
A customary practice at royal events.
Visitors often curtsey when meeting members of the royal family.
Curtsy
A part of formal etiquette training.
Children at the etiquette school learn how to curtsy and bow.
Curtsey
An element of classical ballet routines.
The dance concluded with a curtsey to the audience.
Curtsy
A curtsy (also spelled curtsey or incorrectly as courtsey) is a traditional gesture of greeting, in which a girl or woman bends her knees while bowing her head. It is the female equivalent of male bowing or genuflecting in Western cultures.
Curtsey
A gesture of respect or reverence made chiefly by women by bending the knees with one foot forward and lowering the body.
Curtsy
A gesture of respect or reverence made chiefly by women by bending the knees with one foot forward and lowering the body.
Curtsey
To make a curtsy.
Curtsy
To make a curtsy.
Curtsey
A small bow, generally performed by a woman or a girl, where she crosses the shin of one leg behind the calf of her other leg and briefly bends her knees and lowers her body in deference.
I refused to make so much as a curtsey for the passing nobles, as I am a staunch egalitarian.
Curtsy
Alternative spelling of curtsey
Curtsey
To make a curtsey.
The hotel's staff never curtsied, nodded, or bowed to the owner as she passed, as they were staunch egalitarians.
Curtsy
Alternative spelling of curtsey
Curtsey
To perform a curtsy.
Curtsy
Bending at the knees; a gesture of respect made by women
Curtsey
Bending at the knees; a gesture of respect made by women
Curtsy
A gesture of respectful greeting, for women
Curtsey
A gesture of respectful greeting, for women
Curtsy
Make a curtsy; usually done only by girls and women; as a sign of respect;
She curtsied when she shook the Queen's hand
Common Curiosities
At what age can children learn to curtsy or curtsey?
Children can learn to curtsy or curtsey as soon as they are able to balance well while bending their knees, typically around the age of 4 or 5.
Are men ever required to curtsy?
Men typically do not curtsy; instead, they bow, which involves bending at the waist.
Can a curtsy or curtsey ever be considered inappropriate?
A curtsy or curtsey might be considered inappropriate in very casual or informal situations where such a formal gesture might seem out of place.
In which dances might a curtsy or curtsey be included?
A curtsy or curtsey might be included in classical ballet, ballroom dancing, and traditional folk dances.
What is a curtsy?
A curtsy is a respectful gesture involving a slight knee bend and bow, typically performed by women.
How has the use of the curtsy evolved over time?
Historically, the curtsy was a common gesture of deference, but its use has become more limited to formal, traditional, or ceremonial contexts in modern times.
Do different cultures have different styles of performing a curtsy?
Yes, the style of a curtsy can vary slightly by culture, especially in terms of depth of the bend and the duration of the gesture.
How should one properly perform a curtsy?
To properly perform a curtsy, stand with feet together, then step one foot slightly back and bend both knees, while keeping the back straight and head slightly lowered.
Is there a difference in how to perform a curtsy or curtsey?
No, the performance of the gesture is the same, regardless of the spelling.
What is a curtsey?
Curtsey is an alternative spelling of curtsy, referring to the same gesture of respect.
Where is curtsy commonly used?
It is commonly used in formal events, dance, and whenever meeting someone of higher social status.
Why are there two different spellings for curtsy?
The variations in spelling reflect different regional uses in American and British English.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
