Dishevelling - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

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appearance disorder

Dishevelling refers to the act of making something untidy or disordered, especially hair or clothing. It often implies a state of disarray that results from movement or neglect. This word is commonly used to describe a disordered state that can occur after waking up, being in a hurry, or after physical activity. The term can also suggest a casual or carefree attitude toward one’s appearance.

Synonyms

disarrange, mess up, muss.

Examples of usage

After the long trip, my hair was completely dishevelled.
The wind dishevelled her carefully styled hair.
He looked dishevelled after running to catch the bus.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

In literature and film, disheveled characters often represent chaos or a departure from societal norms, emphasizing their internal struggle.
Throughout history, disheveled appearances have been associated with artists and thinkers, suggesting that creativity often comes with a lack of concern for outward appearances.
Disheveling can also be symbolic, representing emotional turmoil or distress, illustrating how our inner state can affect our outward look.

Fashion

The 'bedhead' hairstyle has become a fashion statement, using the concept of disheveling to project a carefree, relaxed vibe.
Many haute couture designers incorporate intentional disheveling in runway shows, challenging traditional ideas of beauty and neatness.
The 'grunge' trend of the '90s embraced a disheveled look, allowing individuals to express their rebellion against mainstream fashion.

Psychology

Studies have shown that people often interpret disheveled appearances as a sign of mental health struggles or stress, affecting first impressions.
Research in social psychology indicates that individuals may judge others based on their appearance, with disheveled looks leading to assumptions of lower competence or carelessness.
Conversely, some studies suggest that embracing a disheveled look can be liberating, allowing personal expression beyond societal expectations.

Literature

Classic novels often describe characters who are disheveled to signify their moral decline, symbolizing turmoil in their personal lives.
In poetry, disheveled imagery is used to evoke emotions of chaos and disorder, reflecting the speaker's internal feelings.
Modern authors use disheveled characters to create relatability, emphasizing authenticity in today’s complex world.

Origin of 'dishevelling'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Old French 'descheveler,' meaning to uncap or remove a covering, especially hair.
The prefix 'dis-' suggests undoing or reversing, while 'heveller' relates to hair, highlighting the action of undoing neatness.
The earliest recorded use dates back to the 15th century, showing how long people have used it to describe messiness.

The word 'dishevel' originated in the late Middle English period, around the 14th century. It comes from the Old French word 'descheveler', which means to 'uncover the hair' or 'to make dishevelled'. This derives from the Latin root 'capillus' meaning 'hair'. The term has evolved in usage over the centuries, primarily retaining its association with hair and appearance. Initially, it described the act of undoing the appearance of someone who had arranged their hair neatly, but over time it broadened to encapsulate any state of disorder. The evolution reflects a cultural understanding of tidiness and personal grooming as indicators of social standing, particularly in Western societies. As society evolved, the term began to be used in a more metaphorical sense, suggesting a lack of order or neatness in various contexts, leading to its modern usage.

Dishevelling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations