Here's a breakdown:
* Visual: Imagine a fancy letter "S" with a long, swirling tail. That's a curlicue! It's a twist, turn, or loop that adds visual interest and ornamentation.
* Usage: You might see curlicues in calligraphy, handwriting, artwork, or even architecture.
* Figurative: The word can be used figuratively to describe something that is whimsical, elaborate, or intricate. For example, "The old, ornate clock had curlicues of gold on its face."
So, think of "curlicue" as a fancy way to describe a whimsical, decorative twist!