cowlick: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal
Quick answer
What does “cowlick” mean?
A section of hair that grows in a different direction from the rest and is difficult to flatten.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A section of hair that grows in a different direction from the rest and is difficult to flatten.
By extension, any unruly or untamable tuft of hair; sometimes used metaphorically for something stubbornly out of place.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Term is used in both varieties. 'Cow's lick' (with a possessive) is a rare, dated British variant.
Connotations
Slightly more common and colloquial in AmE. In BrE, may sound slightly quaint or specific.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but slightly higher in AmE. Known by most native speakers.
Grammar
How to Use “cowlick” in a Sentence
[Subject] has a cowlick.[Hairdresser] tried to cut/style around the cowlick.The gel couldn't control his [adjective] cowlick.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cowlick” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The stylist tried to cowlick the fringe, but it was hopeless.
- His hair cowlicks naturally at the temple.
American English
- No productive verb use is standard. The word is almost exclusively a noun.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- He had a cowlick quiff that defied gravity.
- The cowlick effect was quite charming.
American English
- 'Cowlick' as an adjective is non-standard and rare.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare. Might appear in personal grooming or hairdressing business contexts.
Academic
Rare. Potential use in anthropology/biology discussing hair growth patterns.
Everyday
Primary context. Used when discussing hairstyles, personal appearance, or childhood traits.
Technical
Used in hairdressing/barbering terminology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cowlick”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cowlick”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cowlick”
- Misspelling as 'cow-lick' (hyphenated is dated).
- Using it to describe deliberately styled hair (e.g., a pompadour).
- Confusing it with a 'widow's peak' (a V-shaped hairline).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A widow's peak is a V-shaped point in the hairline on the forehead. A cowlick is a tuft of hair growing in a circular or opposite direction, which can occur anywhere on the head.
You cannot permanently change the hair follicle's growth direction. It can be managed temporarily with styling (wet hair, blow-drying in the opposite direction, strong products) or cut strategically by a skilled hairdresser to minimize its appearance.
The etymology suggests the pattern of hair looks as if it has been licked into place by a cow. The tongue of a cow leaves a rough, swirling pattern on its coat.
No, it is a standard, neutral descriptive term. It can sometimes be used affectionately, as in 'a charming cowlick'.
A section of hair that grows in a different direction from the rest and is difficult to flatten.
Cowlick is usually informal in register.
Cowlick: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkaʊ.lɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkaʊ.lɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Born with a cowlick (implying a stubborn or independent nature from birth).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a cow licking a calf's head, leaving the hair standing up in a particular spot.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNRULINESS IS ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR (a 'lick' from a cow creates disorder).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes a 'cowlick'?