mohawk: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal (hairstyle), Neutral/Formal (people/culture)
Quick answer
What does “mohawk” mean?
A hairstyle in which both sides of the head are shaved, leaving a central strip of upright hair from the forehead to the nape of the neck.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hairstyle in which both sides of the head are shaved, leaving a central strip of upright hair from the forehead to the nape of the neck.
A member of an Indigenous people originally inhabiting the Mohawk River valley in New York State. Also used attributively for things relating to this people or their language.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the hairstyle is more commonly called a 'mohican' (from the novel/film 'The Last of the Mohicans'). In American English, 'mohawk' is the dominant term for the hairstyle.
Connotations
The hairstyle connotes punk, rebellion, and nonconformity in both varieties. The ethnonym 'Mohawk' carries historical and cultural weight regarding Indigenous rights and identity, particularly in North America.
Frequency
As an ethnonym, 'Mohawk' is of equal frequency in both varieties. As a hairstyle term, 'mohawk' is more frequent in AmE, while 'mohican' is a strong alternative in BrE.
Grammar
How to Use “mohawk” in a Sentence
to have a mohawkto wear one's hair in a mohawkto get/shave a mohawkVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mohawk” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He decided to mohawk his hair for the festival.
American English
- She's going to mohawk it for the punk rock concert.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Almost never used, except in rare contexts like a hair salon's service list.
Academic
Used in anthropology, history, and linguistics when referring to the Mohawk Nation, their language (Kanienʼkehá꞉ka), culture, or confederacy (Haudenosaunee).
Everyday
Primarily used to describe the distinctive, rebellious hairstyle.
Technical
In hairdressing, it describes a precise cutting and styling technique.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mohawk”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mohawk”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mohawk”
- Incorrectly capitalizing 'mohawk' when referring to the hairstyle. Confusing 'Mohawk' (people) with 'Mohican' (a different Algonquian people).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are used. 'Mohawk' is standard in American English. 'Mohican' (often lowercased 'mohican' in BrE) is common in British English, stemming from the cultural reference to 'The Last of the Mohicans'. In global contexts, 'mohawk' is more widely understood.
The Mohawk (Kanienʼkehá꞉ka) are one of the six nations that make up the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, historically known as the Iroquois Confederacy. 'Iroquois' refers to the larger political and cultural league, while 'Mohawk' specifies one member nation.
Sensitivity exists. While the term is widely established, some Indigenous people view the appropriation of their nation's name for a fashion trend as disrespectful. Context and awareness are important. In formal or respectful discourse regarding the people, always use the capitalized 'Mohawk' specifically for them.
Yes, informally. To 'mohawk' one's hair or to 'get mohawked' means to cut/style it into a mohawk (e.g., 'He mohawked his hair last week'). This usage is more common in casual speech.
A hairstyle in which both sides of the head are shaved, leaving a central strip of upright hair from the forehead to the nape of the neck.
Mohawk is usually informal (hairstyle), neutral/formal (people/culture) in register.
Mohawk: in British English it is pronounced /ˈməʊ.hɔːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmoʊ.hɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[to be] as defiant as a mohawk”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a MOtorcycle HAWKing (selling) its parts; the rider has a tall, spiky strip of hair – a MOHAWK.
Conceptual Metaphor
REBELLION IS A SHARP, RAISED EDGE (from the visual prominence and defiance associated with the hairstyle).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the lowercased form 'mohawk' most appropriate?