frizzle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "frizzle" is correct and usable in written English, though it is informal.
It can be used to describe the action of something curling or becoming frizzy, often in reference to hair or food being cooked until crispy. Example: "After spending hours in the sun, my hair started to frizzle and lose its smoothness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

A generous helping of sushi-standard spicy tuna was spread across vast swaths of bread and topped with an unrecognizable frizzle of scallions, like giant Japanese bruschetta — certain proof, if you needed it, that the eighties are back and better than ever.

The New Yorker

The first up, Kimberly--a young woman with a Botticelli frizzle of long blond hair--found herself facing Balazs, MacPherson, and John Camacho, who will be the bar manager.

The New Yorker

Although Ms. Kahn says her frizzle is "docile and sweet tempered," she frets about how the chicken will react to the music, crowd and extra attention.

The New York Times

Mr. Gilmore quarters and flash-fries them so they fluff out and frizzle delectably; spritzed with lemon juice and olive oil, the lightly charred morsels come off sweet and irresistible.

The New York Times

WHEN Melissa Kahn walks down the aisle at her April 15 wedding in her parents' garden in Beverly Hills, Calif., in place of a flower bouquet she plans to be clutching a chicken, her little black frizzle cochin bantam hen that she says looks like a "fluffy pompom".

The New York Times

Acorn squash soup, with its touch of chive and its truffle-sweet potato ravioli (since replaced with a diver scallop and frizzle of smoked bacon) won over even a skeptic.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Click here to get money off this book from at Independent's bookshop Good-looking, stylish newcomer Tommy Hansel arrives at the racetrack with four horses and his frizzle-haired girlfriend Maggie in tow.

Independent

Even when they have frizzled hair".

The New Yorker

It goes something like this: your hair frizzles in the heat and humidity, because there are more ways for your hair to be curled than to be straight, and nature likes options.

The New York Times - Science

If you should ever have a heart attack, Hippo, Warts, Merlin, Yorkie, Scalloped, Shaggy, Frizzled, Dishevelled and Mob-as-tumor-suppressor may have a lot to do with why you don't get better in a hurry.

The New York Times - Science

Pan-seared sea scallops paired well with the accompanying white beans and shaved truffle purée, leek confit and crispy frizzled leeks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing food, use "frizzle" to vividly portray the delightful crispness achieved through frying. For example, "frizzled onions" add texture and flavor to a dish.

Common error

Avoid using "frizzle" in highly formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports. Opt for more precise and professional terms like "crisp", "curl", or "scorch" depending on the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "frizzle" is as a verb, describing the action of frying something until crisp or hair becoming curled and unruly. It can also function as a noun, referring to a curl of hair. As Ludwig states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "frizzle" is a versatile term primarily used as a verb or noun to describe the action or state of something becoming crisp, curled, or slightly scorched. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for general use, though less common in formal contexts. It is most frequently encountered in News & Media sources, painting vivid imagery in descriptions of both food and hair. Consider context and formality when choosing "frizzle" over alternatives like "crisp", "curl", or "scorch".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become frizzy

Specifically describes the state of hair becoming uncontrollably curly.

curl up

Focuses on the action of forming a curl, similar to one aspect of "frizzle".

crisp up

Emphasizes the process of becoming crisp, particularly when referring to food.

crinkle

Indicates a series of small folds or lines, akin to the texture of something frizzled.

crape

Implies to form into wavy corrugations or alternate ridges and furrows.

become singed

Refers to slight burning, similar to the 'scorching' definition of "frizzle".

kink

Indicates a sharp bend or twist, related to the shape of frizzled hair.

sizzle

Highlights the noisy frying aspect, but not the curling effect.

twist

Implies a turning or winding action, similar to hair curling.

scorch

Focuses on the burning or browning aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "frizzle" in a sentence?

You can use "frizzle" to describe food being fried until crisp, like "frizzled onions", or to describe hair becoming curly and unruly.

What does it mean when hair "frizzles"?

When hair "frizzles", it means it becomes excessively curly, often due to humidity or heat, resulting in an unkempt appearance. You might consider using alternatives like "become frizzy".

Is "frizzle" the same as "sizzle"?

"Frizzle" and "sizzle" are related but not identical. "Sizzle" refers to the sound of something frying, while "frizzle" describes the visual result of something becoming crisp and curled. For example, the bacon "sizzled in the pan" and became delightfully frizzled.

What are some alternatives to the word "frizzle"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "frizzle" include "crisp up" (for food), "curl up" (for hair or other materials), or "scorch" (if referring to burning).