Pronunciation: [ɹˈɛdhɛdɪd] (IPA) 
The word 'redheaded' is commonly misspelled as 'redhaired' due to the presence of the past tense of 'hair' in the latter. However, 'redheaded' is the correct spelling as it refers to a person with red hair. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled as /ˌrɛdˈhɛdɪd/, with the stress on the second syllable. The second syllable is pronounced with a short 'e' sound, while the suffix '-ed' is pronounced with an 'id' sound.
The term "redheaded" is an adjective used to describe individuals who possess a distinct hair color characterized by shades of red, typically ranging from fiery copper to strawberry blonde. This unique hair color is attributed to a high concentration of the pigment called pheomelanin, coupled with a low concentration of eumelanin. Redheaded individuals often exhibit features such as fair skin, freckles, and light-colored eyes, as these characteristics are commonly associated with this hair color.
The term can be employed to describe both men and women, highlighting their flaming red hair hue as a distinguishing characteristic. Considered relatively rare, redheads make up a small portion of the global population, with estimates varying by region. Historically, red hair has captured fascination, captivating attention due to its noticeable and vibrant appearance.
The use of the term "redheaded" can extend beyond hair color alone. It can also be employed metaphorically or symbolically to describe objects or elements that share similarities with or evoke the color red. This broader usage may encompass descriptions of red-toned objects, documents, events, or even personalities. Furthermore, it can be utilized in idiomatic expressions or phrases, subtly encapsulating the beauty, allure, or mystique associated with red hair.
Overall, "redheaded" serves as a comprehensive adjective denoting individuals who possess red hair, encompassing both its physical manifestation and the broader implications tied to this distinctive characteristic.
The word "redheaded" is formed by combining two words: "red" and "headed".
The term "red" can be traced back to the Old English word "rēad", which has the same meaning. This word is believed to have been derived from the Proto-Germanic word "raudaz" and is related to similar words in other Germanic languages.
The word "headed" is related to the noun "head" and has its roots in the Old English word "heafod", which ultimately derives from the Proto-Germanic word "haubudam".
Therefore, "redheaded" essentially means having a head or hair that is red in color. The term is used to describe individuals who have naturally red hair.
