knothead
A "knothead" is a mild insult meaning a foolish, stubborn, or hardheaded person. In Appalachian and Southern speech, it’s a playful way to scold someone without being too harsh.
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Hillbilly Dude Says...
I heard 'knothead' often, but usually comin' outta my own face. Pronunciation
[NOT-hed]
Meaning & Usage
- A foolish or silly person (noun)
Mae:
Who left the feed out?
Who left the feed out?
Earl:
That knothead brother of mine.
That knothead brother of mine.- A stubborn or hardheaded person (noun, figurative)
Mae:
Told him twice to quit.
Told him twice to quit.
Earl:
He’s a knothead if I ever saw one.
He’s a knothead if I ever saw one.★ "Knothead" is usually said in fun. It scolds without being cruel, much like "knucklehead." Parents and grandparents often use it on kids when they’re acting silly. ★
Origin
From the image of a "knot" in wood - hard, dull, and unworkable. First used in American English in the 1800s. It spread widely, but stuck especially in Southern and Appalachian talk as a colorful, everyday insult.
Notes
Common across the U.S., though less frequent outside rural areas. Stronger presence in Southern/Appalachian speech, where playful scolding words thrive. Still recognized nationwide.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "not-hed." Drawled out in country talk: "naht-head."