What does scarehead mean?
A scarehead is a sensational or attention-grabbing headline or story, often used to attract readers or viewers. It is a term commonly associated with tabloids and sensationalist media. Scareheads can be attention-grabbing but may also be misleading or inaccurate. They are often used to dominate the front page or to spark widespread concern. The term scarehead is derived from the words 'scare' and 'head', suggesting a sense of alarm or attention-grabbing. In modern usage, scareheads are often seen as a way to attract readers or viewers, but they can also be criticized for being sensationalist or misleading. Overall, scareheads are an important aspect of modern media, highlighting the tension between attention-grabbing headlines and accurate reporting.
nounA scarehead is a sensational or attention-grabbing headline or story, often used to attract readers or viewers.
- A sensational or attention-grabbing headline or story.
"The tabloid's scarehead about the celebrity's divorce dominated the front page."
"The tabloid's scarehead about the celebrity's divorce dominated the front page."
"The newspaper's scarehead about the economic crisis sparked widespread concern."
The plural form is used to refer to multiple sensational or attention-grabbing headlines or stories.
"The newspaper's scareheads about the economic crisis sparked widespread concern."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of scarehead
The term scarehead is derived from the words 'scare' and 'head', suggesting a sense of alarm or attention-grabbing. The term is thought to have originated in the mid-20th century, as a way to describe sensational or attention-grabbing headlines.
How scarehead is actually used
Scareheads are often used in tabloids and sensationalist media to attract readers or viewers. They can be attention-grabbing but may also be misleading or inaccurate.