Pigheaded

/ˈpɪɡˌhɛdəd/ adjective

Definition

Stubborn and unwilling to change your mind, even when you're wrong; very determined in a mulish way.

Etymology

Compound from 'pig' and 'headed,' comparing human stubbornness to a pig's stubborn nature. The term dates back to at least the 1700s in English.

Kelly Says

Ironically, pigs are actually quite intelligent and trainable animals—but this insult stuck because of pigs' reputation for charging blindly at obstacles rather than going around them!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

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