marcel

Everyday

1. (a name) Marcel is a man's first name, especially in France, as in the French mime artist Marcel Marceau. tree →
2. (old use) A marcel or marcel wave is a hairstyle with deep, regular waves made with hot curling irons, popular in the 1920s. tree →
3. (verb, old use) To make such waves in hair. tree →

In the lessons

Most children meet Marcel as a name in French lessons and stories. In history lessons about the 1920s, photographs show women with marcelled hair. Phrases: marcel wave.

Examples

• Marcel is a popular French boy's name. tree →
• Marcel Marceau was a famous French mime artist. tree →
• In the 1920s, many women had a marcel wave. tree →
• Great-Granny's photo shows her hair marcelled in neat waves. tree →
• The hairdresser used hot irons to make a marcel. tree →
• In our French book, Marcel lives in Paris with his dog. tree →

Note

Capital M for the name. The hairstyle is named after the French hairdresser Marcel Grateau. Pronounced mar-SEL. Spelling of the verb: marcelled, marcelling (UK).