Towheaded
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "towheaded" means very light blond or nearly white-haired, especially in children. The term comes from "tow," the pale fibers of flax used in spinning.
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I was always called 'towheaded' if somebody was talking about me when I was little. I assumed it had to do with a toe. Now they mostly say, "what happened to this feller?" I was always called 'towheaded' if somebody was talking about me when I was little. I assumed it had to do with a toe. Now they mostly say, "what happened to this feller?" Pronunciation
Meaning & Usage
- Very light blond hair (adjective)
Origin and Etymology
From "tow," the short, pale fibers of flax left over in processing. The word dates back to the 1800s, with "towheaded" describing hair as light-colored as flax fiber. It entered Appalachian and Southern speech along with other English textile terms.
Usage Notes
Still common in Appalachia and the South, though many speakers say "toeheaded" since they’ve only heard it, not seen it written. Both point to the same meaning - very light blond hair.
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it plain: "tow-headed." Rhymes with "snow-headed."