This is the 12014th most frequent French word.
tortiller
To twist, wriggle, or squirm.
The word "tortiller" is used here to describe the physical action of twisting or twirling something, specifically her hair.
Elle commence à tortiller une mèche de ses cheveux pendant qu'elle réfléchit.
She starts twisting a strand of her hair while she thinks.
The word "tortiller" is employed metaphorically to mean hesitating or not addressing a topic directly, extending its literal sense of twisting.
Pour avancer dans cette discussion, il ne faudrait pas tortiller : il faut parler directement.
To progress in this discussion, one must not beat around the bush: one must speak directly.
In this sentence, "tortiller" describes the literal motion of twisting or curving, referring to the snake’s movements.