headache
headache
Pronunciation
head-: /hɛd/
/h/ - voiceless glottal fricative
/ɛ/ - open-mid front unrounded vowel
/d/ - voiced alveolar plosive
-ache: /eɪk/
/eɪ/ - diphthong (starts like /e/, glides towards /ɪ/)
/k/ - voiceless velar plosive
Word Form Variations
Singular Noun: headache
Plural Noun: headaches
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A continuous pain or throbbing in the head.
Synonyms: migraine, throbbing, cephalalgia (medical)
Antonyms: relief, comfort, ease, calm
Definition 2 (Informal): A person, thing, or situation that causes trouble, difficulty, or annoyance.
Synonyms: nuisance, bother, problem, hassle, pain (informal)
Antonyms: pleasure, joy, blessing, convenience
Examples of Use
Books:
"He awoke with a throbbing headache, the lingering effect of too much wine the night before." (Fictional Novel, The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides)
"The detective knew this case would be a major headache; too many suspects, too little evidence." (Crime Thriller, Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn)
Newspapers:
"The persistent traffic congestion continues to be a major headache for commuters in the city center." (Daily Nation)
"Doctors are advising rest and hydration for those experiencing severe stress-related headaches." (The Guardian)
Online Publications:
"Managing multiple social media accounts can become a significant headache for small businesses without the right tools." (Forbes.com, "5 Tools to Streamline Your Social Media Strategy,")
"New research suggests a link between certain dietary triggers and chronic migraine headaches." (WebMD.com, "Understanding Migraine Triggers,")
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "Oh, my head. I have a terrible headache." (Dialogue from a character waking up in the film The Hangover)
TV Show: "Dealing with my ex-husband is always such a headache." (Character dialogue from the TV series Succession)
Podcast: "Our guest today discusses how to prevent tech headaches when working remotely." (Podcast episode title, The Remote Work Life)
Song Lyrics: "Another night, another headache, thinking 'bout the things you said." (Lyrics from a contemporary pop song)
Video Game (Dialogue/Description): "That boss battle was a real headache to figure out." (Player comment on an online gaming forum or in-game character dialogue)
General Public Discourse:
"Trying to get through all this bureaucracy is a huge headache." (Overheard in a government office)
"I woke up with such a bad headache this morning; I think I need more sleep." (Casual conversation between friends)
"That new software update is giving everyone a headache with all its bugs." (Colleague discussing work issues)
10 Famous Quotes Using Headache
"The cure for a headache is a good night's sleep." (Often attributed to general folk wisdom, no single definitive source)
"Politics is a game of compromise and, often, a source of headaches." (Attributed to various political commentators; a general observation)
"I have a terrible headache. I wish I had a lobotomy." (Carrie Fisher, Wishful Drinking)
"War is a headache, and a hangover." (Lester B. Pearson, Canadian Prime Minister, reflecting on conflict)
"Trying to understand women is like trying to nail jelly to a tree – a real headache." (A common, often humorous, metaphorical expression)
"Democracy is a charming form of government, full of variety and disorder, and dispensing a sort of equality to equals and unequals alike." (Plato, The Republic, Book VIII – while not using "headache," this describes a system that causes one for many leaders)
"Worry often gives a small thing a big shadow." (Swedish Proverb – the shadow being a metaphorical "headache")
"Life's battles don't always go to the stronger or faster man. But sooner or later, the man who wins is the man who thinks he can." (Walter D. Wintle, "The Man Who Thinks He Can" – overcoming mental "headaches" or obstacles)
"The problem with the world is that the intelligent people are full of doubts, while the stupid ones are full of confidence." (Charles Bukowski – a "headache"-inducing observation about society)
"A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book." (Irish Proverb – implicitly, for a "headache" or other ailments)
Etymology
The word "headache" is quite old and straightforward in its origins. It essentially means exactly what it sounds like: a "head" + "ache."
Let's break it down:
"Head": This part comes from the Old English word "heafod," which simply meant the top part of the body.
"Ache": This comes from the Old English word "æce" (pronounced roughly like "ak-eh" or "atch-eh"), which meant a continuous or lasting pain. It's interesting to note that the spelling and pronunciation of "ache" have changed a bit over time, but the meaning has stayed consistent.
So, "headache" was formed in English by putting these two words together, a process called compounding.
The first known use of "headache" as a noun, meaning a pain in the head, dates back to the Old English period, which is before the year 1150. So, people have been using this exact word to describe that specific discomfort for well over 800 years!
Over time, particularly by the 20th century (around 1934), the word also developed a more informal, figurative meaning: "a troublesome problem" or "a nuisance." This is how you might hear someone say, "Dealing with all that paperwork is a real headache." But the original and primary meaning has always been about physical pain in the head.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Headache
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "headache," supplemented as necessary:
A splitting headache: A very severe headache.
Give someone a headache: To cause trouble, annoyance, or a literal headache for someone.
A real headache: A significant problem or nuisance.
What a headache! An exclamation of frustration about a difficult situation.
To be a constant headache: To be a recurring or ongoing source of trouble.
No pain, no gain: (Using "pain" as a synonym for "headache" in a broader sense of discomfort for achievement) You have to endure discomfort to achieve something.
To have a migraine of a problem: (Using "migraine" as a strong synonym) To have an extremely difficult and overwhelming problem.
A pounding head: (Describes a type of headache) Refers to a painful, throbbing head.
To suffer from mental strain: (Focuses on a cause of headaches) To experience significant psychological pressure that can lead to physical discomfort.
To be a thorn in one's side: (Metaphorical for a persistent annoyance, similar to a chronic headache) To be a continuous source of trouble or irritation.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of headache from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
