The word "longhairs" is spelled with a combination of two common English digraphs and two single letters. The first syllable, "long," is spelled with the phonetic symbols /l/ and /ɔː/, which together create the long "o" sound. The second syllable, "hairs," is spelled with the phonetic symbols /h/, /ɛə/, and /z/, which together create a long "a" sound, followed by an "r" sound and a plural "s" sound. The spelling accurately represents the pronunciation of the word.
Longhairs, often spelled as "long-hairs," is a colloquial term primarily used to refer to individuals, typically men, with long hair. This term is derived due to the distinct feature of their elongated hair, often exceeding the typically accepted length found in mainstream societal norms. "Longhairs" is often used in a lighthearted or informal context and can carry different connotations depending on the specific cultural or social group using the term.
In some instances, "longhairs" can be used to describe individuals who embrace countercultural movements or subcultures, such as hippies or musicians associated with rock and roll. This term holds a historical association with these groups, especially during the late 1960s and 1970s, when long hair for men became a sign of rebellion against traditional societal norms.
However, it is important to note that the term "longhairs" can also be used derogatorily, particularly in conservative or more traditional contexts, where it may be seen as a dismissal or disapproval of non-conformist appearances. The context in which the term is used plays a crucial role in determining whether it denotes admiration, affiliation, or disdain towards those who possess long hair.
Overall, "longhairs" suggests individuals who have intentionally cultivated and maintained hair of substantial length, often with cultural or symbolic meaning behind their choice to do so.
The term "longhairs" is a colloquialism that refers to people, particularly men, who have long hair. The etymology of the word is fairly straightforward. It is formed by combining the adjective "long" with the noun "hairs", which is the plural form of "hair". The term originated in the mid-20th century, predominantly during the counterculture movements of the 1960s and 1970s, when long hair was often associated with nonconformity and rebellion against traditional societal norms.