A banner head refers to an eye-catching title or heading, usually displayed prominently at the top of a newspaper, magazine, or other publications. It serves as a way to capture the readers' attention and provide a concise overview of the main topic or theme of the publication.
Typically composed of bold, large-sized fonts, the banner head is strategically placed to be immediately visible to readers, acting as a visual cue that draws them into the content. It often contains key information such as the publication's name, date, and a short, attention-grabbing phrase summarizing the main story or feature article.
The purpose of a banner head is to entice potential readers to pick up the publication or click on an online article, motivating them to delve deeper into the content. It acts as a gateway to the publication's content, briefly communicating what readers can expect to find inside.
While commonly associated with newspapers and magazines, the concept of a banner head has extended to digital platforms such as websites and blogs. In these contexts, banner heads often take the form of prominent titles or headlines displayed at the top of a webpage, serving the same purpose of catching the reader's attention and providing a brief summary of the content that follows.
Overall, when used effectively, a banner head acts as a powerful tool in print and digital media, functioning as an initial point of contact that engages readers and encourages further exploration of the publication or website.
The term "banner head" does not have a specific etymology, as it is a compound word formed by combining two separate words.
The word "banner" comes from the Old French word "baniere" or "banere", which originally denoted a flag or a standard carried or displayed in battle. It derived from the Late Latin word "banderia", meaning a company or troop under a single banner.
The word "head" comes from the Old English word "heafod", which referred to the top part of the human body. Over time, it has acquired various metaphorical meanings, such as the most important or prominent part of something, including the title or top portion of a page in a newspaper or a publication.
When combined, "banner head" refers to the headline or title displayed at the top of a newspaper's front page, typically larger and more eye-catching than other headlines.