cowlick etymology

Etymology

The word "cowlick" is derived from the Old English word "cowlic," which referred to a lock of hair that grew in a different direction from the rest of the hair. The term was first used in the 16th century.

Meaning

A cowlick is a tuft or patch of hair that grows in a direction opposite to the rest of the hair on the head. It is usually located at the crown or back of the head and can be either small or large.

Origin

The origin of the term "cowlick" is unclear, but there are a few theories:

• Cow's Tongue: Some believe that the term comes from the resemblance of a cowlick to the tongue of a cow.
• Calf's Lick: Another theory is that it refers to the habit of calves licking their mothers' heads, which could create a patch of hair that grew in a different direction.
• Whirlpool: Cowlicks are often found near the crown of the head, which is called the "vertex." The term "vertex" comes from the Latin word for "whirlpool," and it is possible that "cowlick" is a corruption of "vortex."

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