The compound adjective "wrong-headed" is a straightforward yet vivid metaphorical construction from native English elements. The first element, "wrong," originates from Old English wrang, which described something twisted, crooked, or unjust, carrying a sense of deviation from the proper course. The second element, "headed," uses the concept of the "head" as the seat of intellect and character, a usage dating back to Old English. When combined in the 17th century, the term literally described someone with a "wrong" or "crooked" mind, logically evolving to denote stubborn adherence to incorrect ideas or perverse judgment. Its enduring power lies in the clear, physical metaphor of a misdirected intellect.

Structure: wrong (incorrect) + headed (having a mind or character of a specified kind) - wrong: From Old English wrang meaning "wrong, unjust, perverse." It functions as an adjective/adverb root describing something incorrect or contrary to what is right. - headed: From Old English -hēafod (the noun "head") + the suffix -ed, forming an adjective meaning "having a (specified kind of) head or mind." It functions as a combining form to describe mental character.