haircut
B1Neutral to informal.
Definition
Meaning
The act or instance of cutting the hair on one's head.
A particular style in which hair is cut; a figurative term for a reduction in value or amount (e.g., a financial haircut).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily countable; can be used to refer to the service (get a haircut), the result (nice haircut), or a financial/loss scenario.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor. Brits might use 'have a haircut', while Americans often use 'get a haircut'. The financial 'haircut' term originated in US financial jargon but is now international.
Connotations
Neutral in both. In finance, the US usage is more established.
Frequency
Equally common in both for literal meaning; financial term slightly more frequent in US contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
have a + ADJ + haircutget/give/need + DET + haircuttake a haircut (on + investment)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “take a haircut (on something)”
- “get your ears lowered (humorous)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The bondholders had to take a 20% haircut on the debt."
Academic
"The study examined the sociological impact of workplace regulations regarding haircuts."
Everyday
"I'm popping into town to get a haircut this afternoon."
Technical
"The barber used texturising shears to create a layered haircut."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He's gone to get his hair cut.
- I must have my hair cut before the wedding.
American English
- He's going to get a haircut.
- I need to get my hair cut soon.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She has a new haircut.
- I like your haircut.
- He needs to get a haircut before his job interview.
- My last haircut was too short.
- The barber gave me a completely different haircut than I asked for.
- Investors faced a significant haircut on the value of the bonds.
- The proposed debt restructuring would involve a voluntary haircut for senior creditors.
- His meticulously styled haircut belied his otherwise dishevelled appearance.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HAIR + CUT = literally cutting hair. For finance: imagine cutting a chunk (of value) off your investment.
Conceptual Metaphor
REDUCTION IS A HAIRCUT (e.g., financial haircut).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'haircutting' for the noun. Use 'haircut' or 'hairdo'.
- The financial 'haircut' is often translated as 'скидка' or 'списание', not related to hair.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'hair cut' as two words in noun position (incorrect: *I need a hair cut; correct: I need a haircut).
- Confusing 'haircut' with 'hairstyle' (which includes cutting, colouring, and styling).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'haircut' used metaphorically?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a single, closed compound noun: 'haircut'.
No, 'haircut' is a noun. The verb form is 'to cut hair' or 'to get/give a haircut'.
A 'haircut' refers specifically to the act or result of cutting. A 'hairstyle' is the overall arranged look, which may involve cutting, colouring, and styling.
It means to accept a loss or reduction in the value of an asset or investment.