dreadlock
Definition
- Noun:
- A hairstyle consisting of long, thin, matted or braided locks of hair: A "dreadlock" is one of many individual ropes of hair formed by matting, braiding, or twisting the hair, allowing it to grow without combing or cutting. The style is often associated with Rastafarian culture but is worn by various cultures and individuals worldwide.
- A single lock of hair in this style: The term can refer to one individual lock within the full hairstyle.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- He has been growing his dreadlocks for over five years.
- She carefully washed each of her long dreadlocks.
- The style features dozens of thin, neat dreadlocks.
Advanced Usage
- Cultural Significance: While popularized globally, dreadlocks hold deep spiritual and cultural significance in Rastafarianism, symbolizing a rejection of Babylon (oppressive systems) and a connection to natural, lion-like strength.
- Formation Methods: Dreadlocks can form naturally through neglect (freeforming), or be created through techniques like backcombing, twisting, or braiding.
- Maintenance: The hairstyle requires specific care, such as regular washing, palm rolling, and occasional retwisting of the roots to maintain the lock structure.
Variants and Related Words
- Dreadlocks (n, plural): The standard plural form referring to the full hairstyle.
- Her dreadlocks reached down to her waist.
- Dreadlocked (adj): Describing a person who has dreadlocks.
- The dreadlocked musician played a mesmerizing set.
- Locs (n, informal): A common, often preferred, shortening of "dreadlocks."
- She styles her locs in a beautiful updo.
Synonyms
- Locks: A general term for the hairstyle.
- Dreads: An informal synonym for dreadlocks.
Related Phrases
- To lock (one's hair): The process of forming hair into dreadlocks.
- She decided to lock her hair last summer.
- Matting: The tangling process that is part of natural dreadlock formation, though not all locks are matted.
Noun
-
one of many long thin braids of hair radiating from the scalp; popularized by Rastafarians
