forelock: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Literary, formal, historical, rural/equine technical.
Quick answer
What does “forelock” mean?
A lock of hair growing just above the forehead.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A lock of hair growing just above the forehead.
1) A literal tuft or section of hair at the front of the head, especially on a horse or human. 2) Symbolically, the act of showing deference or submission (via the idiom 'tug/touch one's forelock').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The literal term is understood in both varieties but is more common in UK equestrian contexts. The idiom 'touch/tug one's forelock' is strongly associated with British class history and is more frequently used and recognized in UK English.
Connotations
In the UK, the idiom powerfully connotes historical class deference, social hierarchy, and servility. In the US, the idiom is less common and may be interpreted more generally as showing excessive, old-fashioned respect.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English, particularly in historical/literary writing and social commentary. Very low frequency in general American English.
Grammar
How to Use “forelock” in a Sentence
[Verb] + (one's) forelock (e.g., tug, touch, grab)Adjective + forelock (e.g., greasy, long)Possessive + forelock (e.g., the horse's forelock)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “forelock” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He would never forelock to anyone, regardless of their title. (rare, non-standard)
American English
- (Virtually never used as a verb)
adverb
British English
- (Not used as a standard adverb)
American English
- (Not used as a standard adverb)
adjective
British English
- (Not used as a standard adjective)
American English
- (Not used as a standard adjective)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May appear metaphorically: 'The culture discouraged forelock-tugging to senior management.'
Academic
Found in historical, sociological, or literary analysis discussing class relations or servitude.
Everyday
Very rare. If used, it's almost exclusively in the idiomatic sense to criticise sycophantic behaviour.
Technical
Standard in equine care/husbandry to describe the hair on a horse's forehead.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “forelock”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “forelock”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “forelock”
- Using 'forelock' to mean the entire fringe/bangs area rather than a distinct lock.
- Using the 'seize by the forelock' idiom in modern contexts where it sounds archaic.
- Misspelling as 'forlock' or 'forelok'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency word. Its most common use is in the fixed idiom 'tug one's forelock', which itself is somewhat literary or historical.
Yes, but this is now less common. It specifically means a distinct lock, not the whole fringe/bangs. It's more frequently used for animals, especially horses.
'Fringe'/'Bangs' refers to the whole section of hair cut short over the forehead. A 'forelock' is one specific, often unruly, lock or tuft within or separate from that section.
It is extremely archaic. The modern equivalent is 'seize the day' or 'seize the opportunity'. The 'forelock' version would sound odd in contemporary speech or writing.
A lock of hair growing just above the forehead.
Forelock is usually literary, formal, historical, rural/equine technical. in register.
Forelock: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɔː.lɒk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɔːr.lɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “tug/touch one's forelock (to show deference)”
- “take time/opportunity by the forelock (seize it decisively – archaic)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a LOCK of hair at the FOREfront of the head = FORE-LOCK.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUBMISSION IS A PHYSICAL GESTURE (tugging hair). OPPORTUNITY IS A FLEEING ANIMAL/ENTITY (to be seized by the forelock – archaic).
Practice
Quiz
In modern usage, 'forelock-tugging' primarily implies: