Hairdo Is a Noun Made From a Whole Phrase
A hairdo is a hairstyle. The word compresses a verb phrase into a noun, which English does constantly.
A hairdo is an arranged hairstyle. The word is a compressed phrase: doing one's hair becomes a *hairdo*, exactly as *makeup* comes from making up and *breakfast* from breaking a fast. English builds nouns this way so readily that speakers rarely notice the verb hiding inside them.
- A hairstyle. *An elaborate hairdo.*
- Hairdresser — one who cuts hair. *A local hairdresser.*
- Do — informal for hairstyle. *A new do.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | hairdo | A neat hairdo. |
| Plural | hairdos | Elaborate hairdos. |
| Related | hairstyle | A modern hairstyle. |
| Person | hairdresser | A skilled hairdresser. |
| Informal | do | A fancy do. |
How it is used in a sentence
- She has a new hairdo.Informal.
- Hairstyle is the neutral word.Hairdo sounds slightly dated.
- A do is also a party.British: a works do.
Nouns made from phrases
- hairdo — doing the hair
- makeup — making up the face
- breakfast — breaking the overnight fast
- takeaway — food taken away
- handout — something handed out
A compound of *hair* and *do*, recorded from the 1930s. *Hair* comes from Old English *hær*.
Hairdo or hairstyle?
Hairstyle is neutral and current. Hairdo sounds informal and slightly of another era.
What is a *do* in British English?
Besides a hairstyle, it means a party or social event, as in a works do or a leaving do.