"Curtsy" and "curtsey" both refer to a formal gesture of respect, typically performed by bending the knees while lowering the body slightly. Both spellings are correct, though "curtsy" is more commonly used today.
I once helped design a wedding program describing the flower girl’s “curtsey” before walking down the aisle. A friend proofreading it asked if I meant “curtsy” instead. Honestly, I wasn’t sure which spelling was correct, I’d seen both used in books and articles before.
Here’s the twist: both spellings are genuinely accepted. Unlike many English spelling debates, this one doesn’t come down to a strict right-versus-wrong answer. Both “curtsy” and “curtsey” appear in dictionaries, though one has become noticeably more common in everyday use.
This guide breaks down exactly where each spelling comes from, which one shows up more often today, and how to choose confidently between “curtsy” and “curtsey” in your own writing.
Quick Answer
Both “curtsy” and “curtsey” describe the same formal gesture of respect, typically performed by women or girls, involving bending the knees and slightly lowering the body.
- ✅ She gave a graceful curtsy before the queen.
- ✅ She gave a graceful curtsey before the queen.
In modern usage, “curtsy” has become the more common spelling, especially in American English and everyday writing. “Curtsey” remains widely used as well, particularly in British and more traditional or formal contexts.
Curtsy or Curtsey Pronunciation
(KURT-see)
Both curtsy and curtsey are pronounced the same: /ˈkɜːrtsi/ (“KURT-see”). The difference lies only in the spelling, not in the way the word is spoken.
| Word | Pronunciation | Sounds Like | Correct? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curtsy | /ˈkɜːrtsi/ | KURT-see | ✅ Yes |
| Curtsey | /ˈkɜːrtsi/ | KURT-see | ✅ Yes |
Do They Sound Different?
No. Curtsy and curtsey sound exactly the same in both British and American English. The only distinction is orthographic:
- Curtsy is the preferred modern spelling and is more common in contemporary English.
- Curtsey is an accepted alternative spelling, found more often in British English and older publications.
Example Sentences
- ✅ She performed a graceful curtsy before the audience.
- ✅ The princess made a formal curtsey during the ceremony.
Although both spellings are pronounced “KURT-see,” curtsy is the form most writers encounter today, while curtsey remains a correct but less frequently used variant.
The Origin of Curtsy/Curtsey
Both spellings trace back to the same source, “courtesy,” originally referring broadly to polite, respectful behavior expected in royal or noble courts. Over time, the word narrowed specifically to describe the physical gesture itself, the bending of the knees as a sign of respect, distinct from general politeness.
As English spelling evolved, the word split into two accepted forms. “Curtsey” appeared somewhat earlier, staying closer to the “courtesy” spelling pattern, while “curtsy” developed as a simplified variant, dropping the “e” in a way that mirrors how many English words shortened over centuries of everyday use.
Neither spelling ever fully replaced the other, and today both remain listed in major dictionaries, existing side by side much like other flexible English spelling pairs.
Key Differences and Variations
| Term | Meaning | When to Use | Region/Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curtsy | A formal bow performed by bending the knees | General everyday use | Increasingly dominant in American and global writing |
| Curtsey | A formal bow performed by bending the knees | Traditional or formal use | Common in British English and historical or royal contexts |
| Curtsying/Curtseying | Present participle form | Describing the action in progress | Matches whichever base spelling you’re already using |
Which Spelling Should You Use?
For general or modern writing
Use curtsy. It’s the more widely recognized and commonly used spelling in current everyday English, especially in American contexts.
For traditional, formal, or British-focused writing
Curtsey works well, especially when discussing royal etiquette, historical customs, or British cultural topics.
For fiction or period writing
Either spelling can work, though curtsey often feels slightly more traditional or old-fashioned, which may suit certain historical settings.
For global or neutral use
Curtsy is the safer default, since it dominates modern search volume and everyday usage across most English-speaking regions.
Fair or Fare: Which Word Should You Use?
Common Mistakes with Curtsy/Curtsey
Mistake 1: Mixing spellings within the same document
✅ She practiced her curtsy for weeks, and her curtsy impressed everyone at the ceremony.
❌ She practiced her curtsy for weeks, and her curtsey impressed everyone at the ceremony.
Why it happens: Writers switch unconsciously between the two accepted forms.
Mistake 2: Misspelling the plural form
✅ curtsies, curtseys
❌ curtsys, curtseies
Why it happens: Writers aren’t always sure how to pluralize each variant correctly, since “curtsy” follows consonant-plus-y rules while “curtsey” follows vowel-plus-y rules.
Mistake 3: Overthinking casual, everyday writing
✅ Pick either spelling for casual writing, and stay consistent.
❌ Agonizing over “curtsy” versus “curtsey” in a quick caption or casual blog post.
Why it happens: Writers assume this distinction carries more weight than it actually does in casual contexts.
Mistake 4: Ignoring publication or brand style guides
✅ Check whether your organization has a preferred spelling before publishing.
❌ Assuming every book, article, or script treats “curtsy” and “curtsey” identically.
Why it happens: Style guides vary, and not every writer checks before submitting content.
Curtsy/Curtsey in Real-World Examples
Professional email:
“Please remind the young performers to curtsy at the end of their routine during tonight’s recital.”
News headline:
“Royal Etiquette Expert Explains the Proper Way to Curtsey”
Social media post:
“My daughter’s first curtsy at dance class melted my heart. 🩰”
Formal document (historical or ceremonial context):
“Guests are expected to curtsey upon being formally presented to the royal family.”
Notice how “curtsy” dominates casual, modern, and American writing, while “curtsey” appears more often in formal, historical, or British-focused content.
Curtsy/Curtsey: Data, Trends & Usage
Search interest in “curtsy vs curtsey” is steady, driven largely by parents, dance instructors, writers, and etiquette enthusiasts confirming spelling before publishing content related to performances, weddings, or royal etiquette. This falls into the informational search category, with people wanting a fast, reliable answer before finalizing copy.
“Curtsy” consistently dominates search volume overall, especially in American and global contexts. “Curtsey” maintains steady interest tied closely to British royal coverage, historical fiction, and formal etiquette discussions.
Curtsy vs Curtsey: Comparison Table
| Term/Variant | Meaning | Region/Context | Best Used When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curtsy | A formal bow, bending the knees | Dominant in modern, especially American, English | General, everyday, and modern writing |
| Curtsey | A formal bow, bending the knees | Common in British and traditional contexts | Historical, royal, or formal British-focused writing |
| Bow | A gesture of respect, typically not gender-specific | Universal | Alternative gesture, not specific to bending the knees |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does “curtsy” or “curtsey” mean?
A: Both words describe a formal gesture of respect, typically performed by bending the knees and slightly lowering the body, often as a greeting to royalty or in formal ceremonies.
Q: How do you use “curtsy” correctly in a sentence?
A: Use “curtsy” the same way you’d use “curtsey,” for example, “She learned to curtsy before meeting the queen” works exactly like “She learned to curtsey before meeting the queen.”
Q: Curtsy vs curtsey, what’s the difference?
A: There’s no strict grammatical difference. “Curtsy” is the more modern, widely used spelling, while “curtsey” leans toward traditional or British usage.
Q: Is “curtsey” acceptable in formal writing?
A: Yes, especially in British English, historical writing, or content discussing royal etiquette and tradition.
Q: Which version is correct, curtsy or curtsey?
A: Both are correct. Choose “curtsy” for modern, general use, or “curtsey” if you’re writing in a more traditional or British-focused context.
Q: Where does the word “curtsy” come from?
A: It comes from “courtesy,” originally referring to polite court behavior, later narrowing to describe the specific physical gesture of bending the knees.
Q: Can “curtsey” sound outdated in modern writing?
A: Not necessarily outdated, but it does carry a more traditional or formal tone compared to the more contemporary “curtsy.”
Final Takeaway
Here’s the short version. Both “curtsy” and “curtsey” are correct; this isn’t a right-versus-wrong spelling situation.
Key points to remember:
- The rule: No strict rule exists; both spellings are dictionary-accepted
- Modern trend: “Curtsy” leads in everyday and American English use
- Traditional pick: “Curtsey” fits well in British, historical, or formal contexts
- Consistency matters: Pick one spelling per document and stick with it
Once you know both are valid, choosing between “curtsy” and “curtsey” comes down to tone and context, not correctness.
Bookmark this guide so you never second guess “curtsy” vs “curtsey” again, and share it with anyone writing about etiquette, dance, or royal tradition.
Curtsy or curtsey? Discover why both spellings are correct, the key differences, real examples, and which one you should use today.
Galinda or Glinda: Solving the Spelling Confusion
I am a professional content writer with a strong interest in English spelling and vocabulary. I am interested in creating informative guides on commonly confused words, spelling differences, and language usage to help readers write more accurately and effectively.
