elf-lock

A child wakes up with an elf-lock in her hair.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Tangled hair: "elf-lock" refers to a lock of hair that is tangled or matted, traditionally attributed to the mischievous work of elves.
   • Folklore origin: In folklore, an "elf-lock" is a tangled mass of hair believed to be caused by elves or fairies playing with a person's hair while they sleep.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She woke up with an elf-lock in her hair, which she blamed on the fairies. (A tangled lock of hair.)
  • The old tale said that an elf-lock brought bad luck if not combed out. (A superstitious belief about matted hair.)

Advanced Usage

• "elf-locks" (plural): used to describe multiple tangled strands or a general state of messy hair.
  • The child’s hair was full of elf-locks after a night of restless sleep. (Multiple tangled sections.)

Variants and Related Words

• Elf (n): a mythical creature in folklore, often depicted as a small, mischievous being.

  • The elf was said to play tricks on sleeping villagers. (A folklore creature.)

• Lock (n): a piece of hair that hangs together.

  • A lock of hair fell across her forehead. (A strand or section of hair.)

Synonyms

• Tangle: a confused mass of hair or threads.
• Knot: a tightly twisted or tangled part in hair.

Related Idioms

• "Elf-lock" is used idiomatically in old literature to describe a state of dishevelment or untidiness.
  • His hair was a mess of elf-locks, as if he had been wrestling with spirits. (A poetic way to say very tangled hair.)