Walter Kirn

To young people born under the weird planet of the SAT, intelligence was equated with agility, with raw acuity. It produced a certain sort of person of which I was a typical specimen: the mental contortionist, able to rise to almost every challenge placed before him, except the challenge of real self-knowledge.

American Novelist

James Wolcott

Historically, Hollywood comedy has arrived in skinny envelopes. From fence post Buster Keaton to herky-jerky Jerry Lewis to wiry nerve-bundle Woody Allen to hung-loose Richard Pryor to whippy contortionist Jim Carrey, its comics and clowns have tended to be sliced thin and bendable.

American Critic

Doug Jones

I can put my legs behind my head, but that's pretty much it. An early agent said to me, 'If you can put your legs behind your head, let's say you're a contortionist!' So I got sent out for everything twisty and bendy. It's a good conversation starter.

American Actor

John Morrison

Everyone needs to move - if you're a pro athlete, a contortionist, a computer programmer, or just somebody who wants to play with their kids.

American Athlete

Ronnie Barker

In a packed programme tonight, we will be talking to an out-of-work contortionist who says he can no longer make ends meet.

English Comedian

J. B. Smoove

You want your lady to be a contortionist. What man wouldn't want a lady who's a contortionist?

Chloe Bridges

I can do contortionist things; it's really weird. But I can freak people out, which is great!

American Actress

The word is often associated with performances in shows, circuses, or on stage.

Entertainment Context

It refers to someone with extreme physical flexibility and skill, not just anyone who can bend a bit.

Physical Skill

While 'contortion' can imply distortion, a 'contortionist' does not have a negative implication.

Not Negative

 the world's first book on the pleasures of sensual living. More than just a mere depiction of contortionist sexual positions, it provided a comprehensive guide on living a good life. What is particularly interesting for us is that it focused on women and creating pleasure for women.

How to have a healthier,...

 in a move to rival a contortionist it passes strands of silk behind itself creating a girdle to support it through the change to come with anchor and line secure the transformation can take place

Caterpillar Cocoon...

 aerodynamically they are the incredible contortionist this is like karate in the air and what they do to hyper streamline and then when they achieve highest speeds how they hold it blew this away

Contortionist

Entertainment Context

Physical Skill

Not Negative

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