bullet headed etymology

Etymology:

• "Bullet" + "headed"

Meaning:

• Having a round, hairless head, resembling a bullet.

Origin:

The term "bulletheaded" originally referred to the physiognomy of certain people, particularly those from the Mongolian or Chinese population groups. It was first recorded in the 16th century and became more widespread in the 19th century.

• Bullet: The projectile from a firearm, which typically has a round, smooth head.
• Headed: Having a head, or a part resembling a head.

The term "bulletheaded" was coined as a descriptive phrase to characterize individuals with a distinctive head shape. It emphasized the rounded contours and lack of hair coverage, likened to the appearance of a bullet. The term gained traction in the context of 19th-century racial theories and classifications, which often relied on physical characteristics to categorize and distinguish different population groups.

Over time, "bulletheaded" has taken on a more generalized meaning, referring to any person who has a round, hairless head, regardless of their ethnic or racial background. It is often used in a neutral or descriptive manner, but can sometimes carry connotations of toughness or stubbornness.

bullet headed relate terms

• bullet

  Etymology Old French boulete Medieval Latin bulleta Late Latin bulla Meaning

• bull

  Etymology The word bull comes from the Middle English word bulle which in turn came

• head

  Etymology The word head comes from the Old English word heafod which itself derives