Placement of adjective

Question

In the phrase, "curieuses boîtes", how do you know to place curieuses before the noun.Thanks

Accepted Answer

Hi Tom, 
The adjective curieux/curieuse has different meanings depending on its placing.
Before a noun it means odd/strange/intriguing/interesting.
After the noun it means inquisitive and normally refers to people.
Hope this helps!

Answer

Hi Tom,I'm thinking to express "strange boxes" in an abstract sense, rather than a descriptive sense (after the noun).Hope this helpsJim

Answer

Is there a COMPLETE list of adjectives that have this dual personality? My large Collins has such a list but 'curious' is not in it. Placement of 'curious' before the noun is hinted at in the word's definition, but it is not really clear. This seems to be a deep, dark secret of the language!