When you curve someone, you are not outright rejecting them; rather, you are attempting to avoid their approaches in a non-confrontational manner. The word gained popularity in 2016 as a method to describe when a person tries to let down a romantically interested person. It is used primarily by women to refuse men's advances. The term "curve" comes from the game of basketball, where a team will pass the ball around the perimeter until someone misses a shot. If no one else shoots, then everyone on the team gets a chance to shoot again. This is called "rolling the ball," or simply "rolling." If someone misses twice in a row, then they get "rolled off the curve." This means that they no longer get any more chances to score. Women use the phrase "you're rolling me" when a man starts to show interest in her. He is not being rejected, but she does not want to encourage him either. She is looking for a good time without getting too invested. Men use the phrase "you're curving me up" when a woman starts to show interest in him. Again, he is not being rejected, but she does not want to encourage him either. She is looking for a good time without getting too attached.