longhead: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowArchaic, regional (chiefly Scottish and Northern English), literary
Quick answer
What does “longhead” mean?
A person who is intelligent, thoughtful, or far-sighted.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who is intelligent, thoughtful, or far-sighted; someone who plans ahead.
Historically used to describe someone with a long skull (dolichocephalic) in anthropological contexts, but now primarily archaic or regional in the sense of a wise or prudent person.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is slightly more attested in British sources, particularly Scottish dialect, but is essentially obsolete in both varieties.
Connotations
In British (Scottish) usage, it can carry a folksy, approving tone. In American English, if encountered, it is almost exclusively in historical or anthropological texts.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both. Not part of the active vocabulary of any standard dialect.
Grammar
How to Use “longhead” in a Sentence
[be] a longhead[consider/regard as] a longheadVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “longhead” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He was a longhead fellow, always saving for a rainy day.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Potentially in historical linguistics or anthropology discussing obsolete terms.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Obsolete in physical anthropology for 'dolichocephalic'.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “longhead”
- Using it in modern contexts.
- Assuming it is a common compliment.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an archaic or regional term with very low frequency in modern English.
It would likely cause confusion. Use modern synonyms like 'visionary' or 'strategist' instead.
Historically, yes. In 19th-century anthropology, it described a person with a long skull (dolichocephalic).
The word is marginally more attested in British, particularly Scottish, dialect sources, but is essentially obsolete in both varieties.
A person who is intelligent, thoughtful, or far-sighted.
Longhead is usually archaic, regional (chiefly scottish and northern english), literary in register.
Longhead: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɒŋhɛd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɔːŋhɛd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “have a long head (archaic: to be prudent)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a wise elder with a head so full of future plans it has grown LONG with thought.
Conceptual Metaphor
WISDOM/FORESIGHT IS PHYSICAL LENGTH (OF THE HEAD/MIND).
Practice
Quiz
In which context might you most legitimately encounter the word 'longhead' today?