Big-headed
Meaning
Displaying an inflated sense of one's own importance or abilities; conceited.
Origin
The phrase "big-headed" is quite literal in its evocative imagery, painting a picture of someone whose ego has swelled to an enormous, unmanageable size. This metaphorical "big head" suggests a mind so consumed by self-importance that it's bursting at the seams, leaving no room for humility or objective perspective. While the idea of an enlarged head as a symbol for foolishness or puffed-up pride can be seen in caricatures and literature dating back centuries, the idiom's widespread adoption in English, particularly in its current sense of conceit, gained significant traction around the turn of the 20th century. It offers a vivid, almost cartoonish snapshot of someone whose perceived merits have eclipsed all reason, making them difficult to tolerate.
Examples
- After winning the competition, she became a bit big-headed, expecting everyone to praise her constantly.
- His big-headed attitude made it difficult for his teammates to work with him effectively.