We generally refer to a blond youngster as a 'towhead'. Where does this term come from?
Question #4001. Asked by JReid.
Last updated Mar 05 2017.
Luv2PlaGmz
Answer has 12 votes
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Luv2PlaGmz 24 year member
123 replies
Answer has 12 votes.
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Tow means 'flax or hemp fiber', and so tow headed is literally 'flaxen haired'. This meaning of tow comes from Middle Low German touw (which means 'flax, hemp fiber').
Response last updated by postcards2go on Aug 20 2016.
Aug 28 2000, 5:19 AM
Master_Algie
Answer has 9 votes
Master_Algie
Answer has 9 votes.
A towhead is one with fair hair, typically white-blond. Blondness in youngsters is rampant while scarce in adults, as hair tends to darken with age. Know that this term is not restricted to a child. This relates to "tow," coarse broken flax or hemp fiber prepared for spinning. The word compares the colors of flax and fair hair. "Flaxen" and "towheaded" are totally synonymous.