slaphead: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, Slang, Mildly Derogatory/Humorous
Quick answer
What does “slaphead” mean?
A person, usually a man, who is bald or has very little hair.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person, usually a man, who is bald or has very little hair.
A humorous or mildly insulting slang term for a bald person.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is distinctly British/Australian. The American equivalent would be 'baldy' or 'chrome dome'.
Connotations
In the UK, it's often used in a joshing, matey manner among friends, but can be offensive if used by a stranger. In the US, the term is largely unknown and not used.
Frequency
Common in casual UK speech; extremely rare to non-existent in US English.
Grammar
How to Use “slaphead” in a Sentence
X is a slapheadCall X a slapheadThat slaphead over thereVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “slaphead” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He's starting to slaphead as he gets older.
American English
- Not used.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used.
adjective
British English
- He's got that slaphead look.
American English
- Not used.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Inappropriate and unprofessional. Avoid.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Used in informal, familiar settings among friends, often humorously.
Technical
Not used; medical/clinical terms like 'alopecic' are preferred.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “slaphead”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “slaphead”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “slaphead”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Using it to describe a woman.
- Assuming it's a compliment or neutral term.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be, depending on context and tone. It's informal and mildly derogatory. Among friends, it's often used humorously. From a stranger, it would likely be considered rude.
No, it is almost exclusively used for men. Using it for a woman would be highly unusual and potentially more offensive.
There is no direct one-word equivalent. Americans might use 'baldy' or descriptive phrases like 'chrome dome' or 'cue ball' in similar informal, joking contexts.
It's a compound of 'slap' (suggesting the sound of a hand on a bare scalp) and 'head'. It originated in British slang in the late 20th century.
A person, usually a man, who is bald or has very little hair.
Slaphead is usually informal, slang, mildly derogatory/humorous in register.
Slaphead: in British English it is pronounced /ˈslæp.hɛd/, and in American English it is pronounced Not applicable; term not used.. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As bald as a slaphead”
- “Going the way of the slaphead (losing hair)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the sound of a SLAP on a bald HEAD.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE HEAD IS A SURFACE (smooth, bare, ready to be slapped).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the term 'slaphead' be MOST appropriate?