Fiddleheaded

/ˈfɪdəlhɛdɪd/ adjective

Definition

Foolish, silly, or scatter-brained; having the characteristics of a fiddlehead in being curled up or convoluted in thinking.

Etymology

Compound of 'fiddlehead' and the suffix '-ed' (having the quality of). The spiral confusion of a fiddlehead became a metaphor for muddled thinking.

Kelly Says

This word cleverly plays on the actual shape of fiddleheads—they're literally curled and tangled—to mock people whose thoughts seem equally tangled and convoluted.

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