head-scratcher

See also: headscratcher and head scratcher

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

From head +‎ scratcher. Literal sense from 1873, figurative from 1971.

Pronunciation

  • (US) IPA(key): /ˈhɛdˌskɹæt͡ʃɚ/ (please verify)
    • Audio (General Australian):(file)

Noun

head-scratcher (plural head-scratchers)

  1. (literally) A device used to scratch the head.
    • 2004, Kelley Hays-Gilpin - Ambiguous Images: Gender and Rock Art (ISBN number 0759100659) page 133.
      Her aunt's husband or her grandfather brings a head scratcher. "If the maid scratched her hair or body with her fingers during these days of observance, her hair would fall out."
  2. (figuratively, informal) Something particularly puzzling or confusing.
    Synonyms: poser, stumper
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