Hairbrain

/ˈhɛɹbreɪn/ noun

Definition

A person who is scatter-brained, thoughtless, or impulsive; someone who acts without thinking.

Etymology

Compound of 'hair' and 'brain,' where 'hair-brained' is the more standard spelling. The exact origin is debated, but it may originally have meant 'brain as thin as a hair' or referred to someone with scattered thoughts.

Kelly Says

The phrase 'hare-brained' (meaning a crazy hare) and 'hair-brained' (thin brain) might be confused origins, showing how English words can blend together over centuries.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.