-head

From (deprecated template usage) [etyl] Middle English -hed, -hede, attested from the 12th century, continuing a hypothetical (deprecated template usage) [etyl] Old English *-hǣde (“-hood”), from (deprecated template usage) [etyl] Proto-Germanic *haidį̄ (“state, condition”), related to Proto-Germanic *haiduz (“manner, character, quality, state”) (cognate with German -heit, Gothic 𐌷𐌰𐌹𐌳𐌿𐍃 (haidus)). Originally restricted to adjectives, the suffix began to be attached to nouns as well from at least the 15th century, leading to confusion with the -hood suffix (Old English -hād), and finally to the wide replacement of -head by -hood even in adjectives.

-head

1. Used to create nouns indicating a state, similar to the suffix -hood.

• -hood
• -ness
• -itas

Combining form of the noun head.

-head

1. Used to form (usually derogatory) words for people who regularly have their mind focused upon a particular subject, activity, or a specified drug or other substance, or who are addicted in some way.

   motorhead, metalhead, pothead

2. Used to form words to describe people who are fans of something, especially music.