Haircut
'hɛrkʌt
Definitions
2 meaningsThe act of cutting the hair, or the style or shape resulting from cutting the hair.
'hɛrkʌt
The act or style of cutting someone's hair.
I need a haircut because my hair is too long.
💡 Simply: Imagine going to the barber or salon. The haircut is the new style you get, like a short bob, a fade, or even just a trim! It's all about how your hair looks after it's been cut.
👶 For kids: When someone cuts your hair, it's called a haircut! It makes your hair look a certain way.
More Examples
He got a short haircut before the summer.
She went to a salon and got a new haircut.
How It's Used
"I need a haircut; my hair is getting too long."
"She got a stylish new haircut."
"The company implemented a 'haircut' across all budgets to reduce spending."
To reduce something, especially debt, financial claims, or payments by a certain percentage.
'hɛrkʌt
To reduce (spending, debt, or another quantity) substantially, often as an emergency measure.
The company was forced to take a haircut on its investment.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone owing you money, but they can only pay you a portion. Giving a 'haircut' means accepting less money than originally owed, like cutting some of the length off a piece of hair. This happens a lot in loans or financial problems.
👶 For kids: Imagine you're supposed to get 10 candies, but the person only gives you 7. That's like giving the amount a haircut!
More Examples
Due to the financial crisis, the creditors took a haircut.
The bank was willing to give a haircut on the terms of the loan.
How It's Used
"The bank took a haircut on the loan, accepting less than the full amount."
"The company had to give a haircut to the executive bonuses."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
get a haircut
To have your hair cut.
"I need to get a haircut before the interview."
to take a haircut
To accept a reduction in financial terms or value.
"The bank had to take a haircut on the loan."
From Middle English *hērcut*, equivalent to hair + cut. The concept of cutting hair has existed since ancient times, with varying styles and social significance across cultures.
The word 'haircut' has been used since the early 17th century, although the practice of cutting hair has been prevalent across numerous cultures for millennia.
Memory tip
Think of the style you get when your hair is cut – that’s the haircut.
Word Origin
"hair (from Old English 'hær') + cut (from Old English 'cyttan' - to cut)"