Pronunciation: [tˈɜːnɪŋ hˈɛd] (IPA) 
Turning head can be spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet as /ˈtɜːnɪŋ hɛd/. The first syllable takes the stressed sound of "er" /ɜːr/ and is followed by an unaccented "n" /n/. The second syllable includes the "eh" sound /ɛ/ and the voiced sound of "d" /d/. This phrase refers to the movement of the head from side to side, usually done to take a closer look or to better observe an object or situation.
Turning heads refers to the act of gaining attention or causing people to take notice. This phrase is often used to describe someone or something that is visually appealing, impressive, or unique enough to catch people's attention and make them turn their heads to look at it.
When an individual or an object turns heads, it means that they have captured the interest or curiosity of others due to their striking appearance, exceptional characteristics, or remarkable qualities. This attention may be due to physical attractiveness, stylish clothing, an unusual talent, or a captivating presence. Turning heads can occur in a variety of settings, such as on the street, at a party, in a crowded room, or during a performance.
The phenomenon of turning heads can also be used figuratively, where it represents arousing attention or gaining recognition in a metaphorical sense. For instance, an innovative product or groundbreaking idea can turn heads in the business world, attracting investors or generating widespread interest.
Overall, the term turning heads encompasses the idea of capturing people's attention and causing them to divert their gaze. It conveys the notion of something or someone being visually or intellectually captivating, which elicits a reaction from those who encounter it.
The phrase "turning head" does not have a specific etymology as a standalone term. However, let's break it down to understand the origins of the individual words:
1. Turning: The word "turning" comes from the Old English word "turnian", which means "to revolve" or "to rotate". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "tornōną" and the Proto-Indo-European root "*der-" meaning "to turn" or "to twist".
2. Head: The word "head" comes from the Old English word "hēafod", which is similar in other Germanic languages such as German "Haupt" and Dutch "hoofd". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*haubudą" and the Proto-Indo-European root "*kaput-", meaning "head" or "chief".
