Bulletheaded

/ˈbʊlɪtˌhɛdɪd/ adjective

Definition

Stubborn and unwilling to listen to others; having a hard head like a bullet.

Etymology

Combination of 'bullet' (from French boulette, small ball) and 'headed' (from Old English heafod). The metaphor compares an unyielding person to a hard, round bullet that cannot be deflected.

Kelly Says

This word captures a uniquely American insult style from the 1800s, mixing weaponry with personality traits—people literally called stubborn folks 'bullet-headed' because bullets can't be stopped once fired, just like these people couldn't be reasoned with!

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