The saying “does the curtain match the drapes” refers to whether a woman’s pubic hair color matches the hair on her head. It is a humorous and sometimes crass way to ask if a woman’s carpets match her drapes, so to speak.
Origin
The exact origin of the phrase “does the curtain match the drapes” is unclear, but it appears to have emerged in the latter half of the 20th century. Some sources attribute the earliest known use to the 1995 film Mallrats, written and directed by Kevin Smith. In the film, Brodie (Jason Lee) asks T.S. (Jeremy London), “Does the carpet match the drapes?” in reference to T.S.’s love interest.
However, the phrase likely predates the film by a few years, as hair color began to vary more dramatically in the 1980s and 1990s with the popularity of hair dye, coloring, and bleaching. The question “does the curtain match the drapes?” arose as a humorous way for someone to find out if a woman’s pubic hair was her natural color or if it was colored to match the hair on her head.
Meaning
The core meaning behind the question “does the curtain match the drapes?” is simply asking whether the hair on a woman’s head matches the hair in her genital area.
– “Curtain” refers to the hair on a woman’s head, or her head hair.
– “Drapes” refers to a woman’s pubic hair around her genitals.
So if the curtain (head hair) matches the drapes (pubic hair), it means the carpet does indeed match the drapes and the woman has the same hair color on her head as she does in her intimate regions. If the curtain does not match the drapes, it implies she has a different pubic hair color than head hair color.
The question alludes to the curtains that hang in a window matching the draped fabric underneath. Similarly, it asks if the “curtain” of hair on a woman’s head matches the “drape” of hair between her legs.
Usage
The question “does the curtain match the drapes?” is often asked:
– In jest between friends, partners, or spouses to tease one another lightheartedly.
– As sexual innuendo in romantic or intimate situations.
– As part of intimate discussions between partners about hair coloring, styling, grooming preferences, etc.
– As crude locker room banter or sexual objectification of women.
The context greatly changes the meaning and appropriateness of the phrase. When used mutually between partners, it can be playful and flirtatious. Between friends, it may be jokingly asked. But as objectification, it can be perceived as offensive and derogatory.
Variant Forms
Some other variants of the phrase include:
– Does the carpet match the drapes?
– Do the curtains match the rug?
– Is the grass the same color as the trees?
– Is the timber the same shade as the forest?
These all creatively allude to whether the hair on a woman’s head matches her pubic hair using metaphorical analogies. The carpet matching the drapes version is most common.
Related Terms
Other slang terms related to “does the curtain match the drapes” include:
– Landing strip: A pubic hairstyle with hair only directly above the vulva shaped like an airplane runway strip.
– Brazilian: A waxing method that removes nearly all pubic hair leaving only a thin “landing strip” or going fully bare.
– Betty Page: A retro pubic hairstyle with bangs or a tuft of hair above the vulva.
– Full bush: Untrimmed pubic hair grown naturally.
– Hair pie: Slang for a vulva with pubic hair.
Knowing if the curtain matches the drapes for a particular woman may indicate what type of pubic hairstyle or grooming she has.
Public Opinions
Opinions on the phrase vary:
| Positive | Negative |
|---|---|
|
-Playful banter between partners -Harmless joke between friends -Creative double entendre |
-Crude, vulgar, or sexist -Reduces women to sexual objects -Perpetuates p*bic hair double standards |
Some find it lighthearted and humorous, others offensive and demeaning. Context and relationship between parties matters.
Cultural Significance
The phrase touches on cultural perceptions of female grooming and sexuality:
– Pubic hair trends (bare, landing strips, fully natural)
– Using hair dye or coloring on intimate areas
– Sexual objectification of women
– Double standards around genital grooming
Pubic hairstyles have gone in and out of fashion over time, making the question of whether the carpet matches the drapes more or less relevant in different eras. The question also implies scrutiny and commentary on women’s genital grooming choices.
When Appropriate to Ask
It is appropriate to ask when:
– In a mutually intimate relationship and both parties find it humorous
– As voluntary girlfriend talk among close friends who have expressly stated it doesn’t bother them
– In clear moments of sexual flirtation between partners who have established that rapport
It should NOT be asked:
– To a woman you don’t know well or at all
– To assess if a woman “matches” some idealized standard of grooming
– In professional environments
– To anyone who is made uncomfortable by the question or topic
Common sense, reading social cues, and basic respect for others are key in using discretion. If in doubt, don’t ask it.
How Women May Respond
If asked directly, women may respond to “does the curtain match the drapes?”:
– With offense or irritation
– By telling the asker it’s inappropriate
– By making a witty comeback or quip
– By giving a vague, sarcastic, or facetious answer
– With an honest yes or no if comfortable with the asker
– With laughter or amusement if close with the asker
– By ignoring or avoiding the question and changing topics
Depending on context, relationship, and comfort level, women may give sincere or silly answers, dodge, or state disapproval of the question itself.
Is It Sexist?
Some argue the question is sexist:
– Scrutinizes women’s grooming choices unfairly
– Channels misogynistic perceptions of female sexuality
– Stereotypes female pubic hair as taboo and scandalous
– Doubles standards around male versus female genital norms
Others argue it’s mostly lighthearted fun:
– Not inherently demeaning towards women
– A joke between friends or partners without ill intent
– A playful way to talk about an intimate topic
– A sign of openness around bodies and sexuality
Views vary; while not universally sexist, asking genuinely versus jokingly or mockingly can change the implications.
Pop Culture Examples
Some pop culture examples of “does the curtain match the drapes”:
– Mallrats (1995): Brodie asks T.S. “does the carpet match the drapes?”
– How I Met Your Mother (2013): Barney uses the phrase in reference to a woman.
– Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001): Bridget feels the question objectifies women.
– Austin Powers (1997): Austin says to a girl: “Tell me, does the carpet match the drapes, baby?”
– American Pie (1999): Finch says: “Does the drapes match the carpet?”
The question has appeared across film, TV, books, and more as cheeky innuendo.
Conclusion
The saying “does the curtain match the drapes?” irreverently asks if a woman’s pubic hair color matches the hair on her head. It emerged as a humorous phrase in the latter 20th century and continues to have variant forms and be used in jest and intimate contexts today. Views differ on whether it is offensive or sexist versus lighthearted; appropriate usage depends heavily on context and the relationship between the asker and woman in question. When in doubt, it’s best left unsaid.