heid
LowInformal, dialectal
Definition
Meaning
A Scottish word meaning 'head'.
Used to refer to the physical head, but also metaphorically for the mind, intelligence, or a person in charge.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used in Scotland and parts of Northern England. In general English, 'head' is the standard term.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'heid' is a Scots dialect term and is not standard. In American English, it is virtually unknown and considered non-standard.
Connotations
In Scotland, it carries connotations of local identity and informality. Outside Scotland, it may be seen as quaint or unfamiliar.
Frequency
Frequent in spoken Scots and Scottish English, especially in informal contexts. Extremely rare to non-existent in American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
V + heid (e.g., 'hit my heid')Adj + heid (e.g., 'thick heid')N + heid (e.g., 'heid teacher')Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Use your heid! (Think!)”
- “Bawheid (fool)”
- “Heid the baw (head the ball in football)”
- “Get it into your heid (understand)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used in formal business contexts.
Academic
Not used in academic writing except in studies of Scots language.
Everyday
Used in everyday informal speech in Scotland.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He'll heid the ball clear.
- She heided it straight at the goal.
adjective
British English
- He's the heid boy at the school.
- She's the heid chef.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have a sore heid.
- That's my heid.
- Use your heid and think about it!
- He fell and hit his heid.
- He's the heid of the family.
- She's got a good heid for figures.
- The project needs a steady heid to manage the budget.
- His remarks went right over my heid.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
'Heid' sounds like 'heed' (to pay attention), which you do with your head.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE HEAD IS THE SEAT OF INTELLIGENCE (e.g., 'use your heid').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian 'голова' (golova) - while it translates directly, using 'heid' in English will mark you as using a Scottish dialect, not standard English.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'heid' in formal writing or outside a Scottish context.
- Spelling it as 'heed' (which is a different word).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'heid' most appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'heid' is a Scots dialect word. The standard English word is 'head'.
No, you should use the standard English 'head' in exams unless you are specifically writing about Scots dialect.
It is used primarily in Scotland and parts of Northern England in informal speech.
It's a Scots slang insult, implying someone is a fool or an idiot (literally 'ball head').