head-scratcher
nounUS /ˈhɛdˌskɹæt͡ʃɚ/
Etymology From head + scratcher. Literal sense from 1873, figurative from 1971.
1
Figuratively, Informal Something particularly puzzling or confusing.
- Golden Globes nominations a head-scratcher2007 December 23, “Golden Globes nominations a head-scratcher”, in Daily News Tribune:
- "A judge will decide what is the most logical, although I'm sure to some judges [freezing the body] will seem like science fiction and a wild scheme," McDonald said. "Other judges make think this is a good thing. It will be a head scratcher for the judge."2002 July 23, “Attorney: Williams' Kids Near Compromise About Father's Remains”, in Fox News:
1 more example
- As nice as it is, the current American taste for that place (where Ellen DeGeneres lives) [Cotswolds] is a head-scratcher.2025 August 23, Janan Ganesh, “How English costs the English”, in FT Weekend (Life & Arts section), London: The Financial Times Ltd., →ISSN, →OCLC, page 19:
2
Literally A device used to scratch the head.
- Her aunt's husband or her grandfather brings a head scratcher. "If the maid scratched her hair or body with her fingers during these days of observance, her hair would fall out."2004, Kelley Hays-Gilpin, Ambiguous Images: Gender and Rock Art, →ISBN, page 133:
- Related terms
- head scratching, head-scratching, scratch one's head