Curtsying

/ˈkɜːrtsiiŋ/ verb

Definition

The action of performing a curtsy; bending the knees as a respectful greeting or acknowledgment.

Etymology

Present participle of the modern spelling 'curtsy.' Formed by dropping the -y and adding -ing to create 'curtsying.'

Kelly Says

The -ing form of 'curtsy' shows an interesting English rule: when a word ends in consonant-y, you usually drop the y before adding -ing, creating 'curtsying' not 'curtseying!'

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Variant spelling of curtseying, maintaining the historical gender hierarchy embedded in this female-specific gesture of submission.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'bowing' as the gender-neutral term. Contextualize historical uses as gendered requirements.

Inclusive Alternatives

["bowing","paying respects"]

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