"Iron jawed" is a compound adjective commonly used to describe someone with an unbreakable will or determination. The spelling of this word is unusual due to the pronunciation of "iron" as "eye-ern" instead of "ai-rin." The phonetic transcription for "iron" is /ˈaɪərn/, and "jawed" is /dʒɔːd/. Together, the word is pronounced as /ˈaɪərdʒɔːd/, with the stress on the first syllable. This unique spelling and pronunciation add to the distinctiveness and impact of the phrase when describing someone with incredible resilience.
Iron jawed is an idiomatic expression that can be traced back to the early 20th century, particularly in the United States. It is typically used to describe a person who possesses exceptional resilience, determination, and strength in the face of challenges, adversity, or opposition. The term "iron jawed" implies that the individual has an unyielding mental and emotional fortitude, as if their figurative jaw is made of iron and cannot be easily broken or defeated.
This phrase often denotes someone who is unwavering in their beliefs, dedicated to their cause, and unwilling to compromise their principles, regardless of the obstacles they may encounter. It implies that the person is tough, stubborn, and resolute in their pursuit of their goals or ideals. The connotation of "iron jawed" suggests a certain level of fearlessness, persistence, and grit, akin to the ability to endure hardships without faltering.
The expression "iron jawed" is commonly associated with individuals who fight or advocate for social justice, political change, or equality. It is often used to describe activists, leaders, or revolutionaries who possess extraordinary courage and tenacity, willing to face hostility and endure personal sacrifices to achieve their objectives.
Overall, "iron jawed" encapsulates the idea of unwavering strength and determination, portraying individuals who persistently confront challenges or opposition, pushing forward with an unyielding spirit that cannot be easily broken.
The term "iron-jawed" is derived from the combination of two words: "iron" and "jawed".
The word "iron" can be traced back to the Old English word "iren", which has Germanic origins. It represents the chemical element iron and signifies strength, hardness, and durability.
The word "jawed" refers to having jaws or mandibles. It comes from the Old English word "gēan", meaning "mouth" or "jaw".
When combined, "iron-jawed" is often used metaphorically to describe someone who possesses unwavering determination, resilience, or stubbornness in the face of challenges or adversity. The reference to the strength and unyielding nature of iron is used here to emphasize the metaphorical toughness of the individual.