Afros

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A style of hair characterized by a dense, rounded shape that often extends outward from the scalp; a cultural symbol associated with African heritage and pride in natural textures; a specific hairstyle that became popular in the 1960s and 1970s, often featuring voluminous curls
2. A type of hairdo that is fluffy and expansive, forming a distinctive shape away from the head; an emblem of identity and self-acceptance within the Black community; a fashion statement that signifies rebellion and individuality during key social movements
3. A hairstyle known for its large, bushy appearance, protruding away from the head in a spherical form; a representation of cultural heritage and the embracing of natural hair; a fashionable trend associated with various historical periods, particularly during civil rights activism

Etymology: "Afros" is the plural of "afro," so it takes its origin from the noun "afro," which is itself built from the prefix "Afro-," meaning African or of African origin. The hairstyle sense grew out of that prefix's association with African heritage: the rounded, voluminous shape it describes became a visible emblem of pride in natural textures during the 1960s and 1970s, when it was widely worn as a political and cultural statement. The prefix "Afro-" is used to form compounds linking African and other things, which is why the hairstyle name reads as a shortened, everyday form of that broader usage. The plural "afros" simply refers to more than one such hairstyle or to several people wearing one.

Synonyms: curly hairstyles, kinky hair, natural hairstyles, puffs, curls