What does redhead mean?
A redhead is a person with naturally red hair. The word is most commonly used for women, but it can describe anyone with reddish hair, and it is generally neutral in tone. Red hair results from a naturally occurring variation in pigment production and is relatively uncommon, especially in populations with predominantly brown or black hair. In popular culture, redheads are sometimes portrayed as fiery-tempered or distinctive, although such stereotypes are not reliable descriptions of individual people. The term can also be used informally as a label for a red-haired person, much as 'blonde' or 'brunette' are used for people with those hair colors. In general, 'redhead' is more appropriate than the sometimes derogatory term 'ginger' when referring directly to someone.
nounA person, especially a woman, with naturally red hair. The term is also used more generally for someone with reddish hair.
- A person with naturally red hair, especially a woman.
"She has always been a redhead, with copper hair that brightens in the sunlight."
"Her brother is a redhead, while both of her sisters have brown hair."
"The novel's central character is a fiery redhead who refuses to conform."
The regular plural is used for multiple people with red hair.
"Several redheads volunteered to model for the magazine."
Red hair is rare enough that a redhead can stand out in a crowd—and rare enough that the word 'redhead' has become part of popular culture.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does redhead come from?
The word is a compound of 'red' and 'head', following the ordinary English pattern of naming a person by a characteristic of appearance. 'Red' comes from Old English rēad, while 'head' comes from Old English hēafod, meaning the upper part of the body. The compound developed in English as a label for a person with red hair.
How redhead is actually used
Generally neutral and familiar in everyday English. It can refer to people of any gender, although it is often used specifically for women. The related term 'ginger' is more informal and may be considered offensive when directed at a person.
Easily confused with redhead
Both can refer to a person with red hair, but 'ginger' is informal and can be viewed as derogatory when used to describe a person, whereas 'redhead' is generally neutral.