hairdo
UK[ˈheə.duː]US[ˈher.duː]
n
The style in which a person's hair is arranged, especially for a special occasion.
Morpheme Breakdown
hair
do
hair
noun
do
verb
Etymology
The word 'hairdo' is a modern English compound, formed in the early 20th century by combining the noun 'hair' with the verb 'do'. The term 'do' in this context evolved from its general sense of 'to perform' to the specific colloquial meaning of 'to style or arrange'. Thus, the literal construction 'hair-do' logically translates to 'the styling of hair', capturing the action performed upon it. This compound exemplifies the creative and economical nature of English word formation, where common verbs are repurposed to create specific, informal nouns for everyday concepts.
Analysis
Structure: hair (noun) + do (verb)
- hair: From Old English 'hǣr', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch and German 'Haar'. The noun denoting the fine thread-like strands growing from the skin.
- do: From Old English 'dōn', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'doen' and German 'tun'. The verb meaning to perform or execute an action.
Examples
She went to the salon to get a new hairdo for the wedding.
That elaborate hairdo must have taken hours to create.
He complimented her on her simple but elegant hairdo.