Very stubborn and unwilling to listen to advice or change your mind, determined to do things your own way.
From 'head' + 'strong,' a compound formed in the 1500s suggesting someone whose 'head' (mind/will) is particularly 'strong' and unyielding, implying their willfulness originates from their mind.
The phrase reveals how language personifies the head as the seat of stubborn will—in contrast, many languages put stubbornness in other body parts, like the neck or heart, showing how culture shapes where we literally imagine willfulness living.
Historically feminized pejoratively—applied more critically to women (seen as irrational willfulness) than men (seen as determination). Reflects double standard in autonomy language.
Use neutrally for any person, or reframe as 'determined,' 'resolute,' or 'committed to conviction' to avoid gendered dismissal.
["resolute","determined","committed to conviction"]
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