squoval

adj. square with rounded corners. Also as noun. Subjects: English

Editorial Note: This term is especially common among manicurists, who use it to describe a particular shape of fingernails and toenails. Etymological Note: square + oval

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Citations: 1992 Los Angeles Times (June 19) “Directory” p. 8: They call it the “squoval” and it’s the most-requested new look in fingernails.…Squoval is the latest jargon for a squared-off nail whose corners are slightly rounded and whose tip extends just to end of the finger. 2000 Judith Lazarus Spa Sourcebook (Feb. 1) p. 143: The best shape for nails is the squared-off oval, or “squoval,” because it is strong and resistant to breakage. 2002 Sarah Heaney Daily Mail (U.K.) (Sept. 12) “Give your nails the edge with a varnishing act”: Pointy talons are also a big no-no—“squ-oval” is the new shape for nails, it suits most and it means—you’ve guessed it—a square tip with rounded edges. 2006 Natasha Singer New York Times (May 4) “In Open-Toe Season, a Pedicure Is More Than Clip and Polish”: Nail tips can be shaped into flat square cuts, rounded ends or “squovals,” a manicure term meaning nails that are square on top and slightly rounded at the edges.

Posted 4 May 06 | Permalink | Tell a Friend

Reader comments:

I’m not into manicures, but I always appreciate an economical, apt word. “Squoval” speaks well in two syllables, better than “ovalare”; “ovaquare”; or, eupuistically, “ovalosquare” (oh VEL uh square).

by john Horlivy 06 May 06, 0522 GMT

I agree! It’s euphonic: “sqwoh-vuhl” sounds like an alcoholic drink made with Bovril. Or a type of gunpowder intended for squirrel-hunting.

by Grant Barrett 06 May 06, 0532 GMT