General Question

peggylou's avatar

What is the origin of the word "tow" as in tow-head (a white-blonde hair color)?

Asked by peggylou (1141points) November 12th, 2006
Observing members: 0 Composing members: 0

5 Answers

guildg37's avatar
http://www.randomhouse.com/wotd/index.pperl?date=19980706
guildg37 (10points)“Great Answer” (1points) Flag as…
peggylou's avatar
Thank you so much! We've been questioning people about that word for a week, and no one knew the answer. You win the prize for best answer!
peggylou (1141points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…
andrew's avatar
I always thought it was "toe-head"
andrew (16562points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…
ava's avatar
I always thought it was "toe" as well. Perhaps saying that when someone's hair is so blonde they just look like a giant toe.
ava (985points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…
figbash's avatar
touw = flax in German. Through the evolution of the word, tow-headed has come to mean "flaxen-haired."
figbash (7483points)“Great Answer” (0points) Flag as…

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