pigheaded
Adjective: 1. Stubbornly obstinate and foolish: Describes a person who is unreasonably and stupidly determined to maintain their own opinion or course of action, refusing to change despite evidence or persuasion.
The adjective "pigheaded" is used to criticize someone's behavior, emphasizing both their stubbornness and the lack of intelligence or reason behind it. It is a strong, informal, and often derogatory term. - It typically functions as a predicate adjective (following a linking verb like be, seem, act) or an attributive adjective (placed before a noun). - It describes a persistent, irrational refusal to listen or change.
- Attributive use (before a noun):
- His pigheaded refusal to listen to expert advice cost the company millions.
- We couldn't overcome her pigheaded insistence on doing things the old way.
- Predicate use (after a linking verb):
- Don't be so pigheaded! Just admit you were wrong.
- He's not principled; he's just pigheaded.
- "pigheadedness" (noun): The quality or state of being pigheaded.
- The project failed due to the manager's sheer pigheadedness.
- Used to imply that the stubbornness is as characteristic and unthinking as the stereotypical nature of a pig.
- Pigheadedly (adverb): In a pigheaded manner.
- He pigheadedly ignored all the warning signs.
- Pigheadedness (noun): The state or quality of being pigheaded.
- Obstinate: Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or chosen course of action.
- Stubborn: Having or showing dogged determination not to change one's attitude or position.
- Bullheaded: Similar to pigheaded, implying obstinate stupidity.
- Intransigent: Unwilling or refusing to change one's views or to agree about something.
- Mulish: Stubborn like a mule.
- Compliant: Inclined to agree with others or obey rules.
- Amenable: Open and responsive to suggestion; easily persuaded or controlled.
- Reasonable: Having sound judgment; fair and sensible.
- Flexible: Willing to change or compromise.
While "pigheaded" itself is not typically part of a larger idiom, it is a compound adjective that functions as a vivid metaphorical insult, comparing a person's stubbornness to the perceived nature of a pig.