pig-headed

The compound adjective 'pig-headed' is a vivid metaphorical formation from two native English words. The term 'pig' has long been associated with negative traits such as stubbornness and filth, while 'head' represents the seat of thought and will. When combined with the adjectival suffix '-ed', the literal image of "having a head like a pig" evolved into the abstract meaning of possessing an obstinate, unyielding, and often foolishly stubborn character. This pejorative comparison, emerging in the early 18th century, leverages the perceived nature of the animal to criticize human behavior, illustrating how concrete, zoological imagery is employed to define an abstract personality flaw.

Structure: pig + head + ed - pig (Old English): The animal, used here metaphorically to imply obstinacy or unpleasantness. - head (Old English): The part of the body, used here to signify the mind or will. - ed (Old English): A suffix forming adjectives, meaning 'having the quality of'.