-head

From Middle English -hed, -hede, attested from the 12th century, continuing a hypothetical Old English *-hǣdu (“-hood”), from 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; -hood.

• -ness
• -itas

Combining form of the noun head.

-head

1. (sometimes derogatory) Used to form 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.

   ‎motor + ‎-head → ‎motorhead

   ‎pot + ‎-head → ‎pothead

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

   ‎jazz + ‎-head → ‎jazzhead

   ‎metal + ‎-head → ‎metalhead

   ‎Beatle + ‎-head → ‎Beatlehead

3. (derogatory) Used with other words to form generic insults or epithets to indicate stupidity.

   ‎block + ‎-head → ‎blockhead

   ‎shit + ‎-head → ‎shithead

   ‎geek + ‎-head → ‎geekhead

• DHEA, ahed, hade