Pigheaded Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿท
Add to dictionary

pigheaded

[หˆpษชษกหŒhษ›dษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

stubborn

Having or showing a stubborn or unreasonably strong-willed determination.

Synonyms

headstrong, obstinate, stubborn, unyielding.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
pigheaded

Used to describe someone who refuses to change their mind or attitude despite clear flaws in their thinking. This term often carries a negative connotation.

  • He was so pigheaded that he wouldn't admit he made a mistake, even when it was obvious to everyone else.
stubborn

Commonly used to describe someone who is unwilling to change their mind or compromise. While often negative, it can also imply strong determination in certain contexts.

  • My dog is very stubborn and wonโ€™t listen when I call him.
  • Her stubborn determination to succeed inspired many.
obstinate

Indicates a strong-willed resistance to arguing or persuasion. Often used in a slightly negative context to highlight someone's refusal to change.

  • The children were obstinate about not cleaning their rooms, no matter how much their parents insisted.
  • His obstinate refusal to apologize strained relations with his colleagues.
headstrong

Describing someone who is determined to do things their own way, often ignoring advice or warnings. It can be both positive and negative depending on the context.

  • She's so headstrong that she pursued her dream job even though everyone else doubted her.
  • His headstrong nature often gets him into trouble with his teachers.
unyielding

Describes someone or something that is inflexibly firm and will not bend or change. It is often used to signal strong determination and can carry both positive and negative meanings.

  • The unyielding walls of the fortress stood strong against the siege.
  • Her unyielding principles sometimes make her difficult to work with.

Examples of usage

  • He's so pigheaded that he won't even consider a different point of view.
  • Her pigheaded refusal to compromise led to the project's failure.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Stubbornness can be rooted in cognitive dissonance, where people feel discomfort from holding conflicting ideas and opt to cling to their original beliefs.
  • Studies suggest that stubborn individuals may have higher levels of self-esteem, leading them to resist changing their minds.
  • The term is often related to personality traits such as low openness to experience, indicating a preference for routine and resistance to change.

Culture

  • Pigheadedness is often portrayed in literature and media as a flaw, leading to humorous or disastrous results, making the character relatable to audiences.
  • In many cultures, stubbornness is sometimes romanticized; characters who refuse to give in are often depicted as strong or principled.
  • In American slang, being described as 'pigheaded' is not just about stubbornness, but often implies an element of foolishness in one's obstinacy.

Pop Culture

  • Television shows often depict 'pigheaded' characters, using humor to highlight their inability to see reason, such as in sitcoms where misunderstandings lead to comedic situations.
  • Fictional villains commonly exhibit pigheadedness, making stubbornness an effective storytelling tool to create conflict.
  • Pop songs sometimes use the term as a metaphor for a relationship dynamic, indicating one partner's refusal to compromise.

Literature

  • Classic literature often highlights pigheaded characters, like some protagonists in Shakespeare's plays who disregard wise counsel.
  • The phrase's imagery has inspired various authors to explore themes of stubbornness in their characters, illustrating its consequences.
  • Humor and stubbornness intertwine in modern novels, where pigheadedness leads to both hilarious and poignant moments in character development.

Origin of 'pigheaded'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'pigheaded' dates back to the 17th century and combines 'pig' (often associated with stubbornness due to the animal's behavior) and 'headed' implying a fixed mindset.
  • Many languages have similar expressions; for instance, in French, one might say 'tรชtu comme une mule' (stubborn as a mule) to convey the same meaning.
  • The imagery of pigs being obstinate likely comes from their behavior when they refuse to move or comply.

The term 'pigheaded' originated in the mid-19th century, combining the word 'pig' as a derogatory term for a person considered greedy, obstinate, or disgusting, with 'headed' to emphasize the stubbornness or strong-willed nature of the individual. Over time, 'pigheaded' has become a commonly used term to describe someone who is unreasonably obstinate or stubborn in their beliefs or actions.


See also: pig, piggy, piglet, pigling, pigment, pigpen, pigsty.