Curtsies

Curtsies is the plural form of curtsy, a traditional gesture of respectful greeting or deference. The act typically involves bending the knees and lowering the upper body, often with one foot placed behind the other, and may be accompanied by a nod of the head or a graceful motion of the arms. The word curtsy derives from courtesy, with historical spellings such as curtsey or curtsy.

Historically, curtsies were a prominent part of European aristocratic etiquette, especially in royal courts from the early modern period through the 19th century. They served as a formal sign of respect to a person of higher social rank or to royalty. The depth and style of a curtsy varied by era, country, and context, and manuals of manners often prescribed specific examples for different situations. Over time, the practice has become less common in everyday life, though it persists in certain ceremonial, theatrical, and ceremonial-dance contexts.

Today, curtsies are most often encountered in formal settings such as royal audiences, state ceremonies, certain dances, and stage productions. In many modern contexts, a nod, a verbal greeting, or a bow is used as a non-gendered alternative to a curtsy. The male equivalent is the bow, though contemporary etiquette allows a range of respectful gestures depending on cultural norms and personal preference.