What does pigheadedness mean?
Pigheadedness is a disparaging noun for stubborn and unreasonable insistence on one’s own views, wishes, or course of action. It implies not merely firmness but an unwillingness to consider evidence, advice, or compromise, and it is therefore often used to condemn behaviour that seems dogmatic or obstructive. The adjective form, pigheaded, is commonly used of people: a pigheaded negotiator may refuse to compromise even when doing so is plainly in their interests. The expression occurs in informal British and American English and carries a noticeably judgemental tone, so it is less appropriate in careful, neutral discussion. A writer may prefer alternatives such as obstinacy, dogmatism, or inflexibility when the intended degree of criticism is milder. The word is especially useful when describing a pattern of resistance rather than a single disagreement.
nounStubborn, unreasonable insistence on one's own opinions or course of action. The term is generally disparaging and describes an attitude or pattern of conduct perceived as obstinate and unwise.
- Stubborn, unreasonable insistence on one's own opinions, beliefs, or approach.
- The character or conduct of someone who is obstinate and unwilling to reconsider.
"His refusal to consider the evidence was dismissed as sheer pigheadedness."
"Negotiations collapsed because neither side would abandon its pigheadedness."
"The editor accused the novelist of pigheadedness in dismissing every proposed revision."
Rare; the noun is ordinarily used as an uncountable mass noun.
"The article treats pigheadednesses as a recurring obstacle to cooperation."
Pigheadedness turns the stubbornness associated with a literal pig's supposed indifference into a sharp criticism of unyielding human opinion.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pigheadedness come from?
Pigheadedness is formed from the adjective pigheaded and the suffix -ness. In pigheaded, the element headed means having a head, while the compound alludes to the stereotypically stubborn or unintelligent character traditionally associated with pigs. The modern sense of stubborn or unreasonable developed from earlier associations between a pig’s head and foolish, obstinate conduct. Its formation follows the productive English pattern of combining a descriptive compound with -ness.
Related word forms
How pigheadedness is actually used
The word is informal and strongly disparaging. It is used for conspicuous, unreasonable obstinacy and is less suitable for ordinary, reasonable firmness of conviction.
Easily confused with pigheadedness
Pigheadedness denotes an attitude of stubborn and unreasonable insistence, whereas a pig-head denotes a person perceived to possess that attitude.