Sidelocks

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

  1. Strands of hair grown or worn deliberately on each side of the face, often associated with cultural, religious, or fashion significance
  2. Distinct sections of hair left to hang or styled along the sides of the head, sometimes indicating traditional or symbolic meanings
  3. Locks of hair extending downward from the temples along the sides of the face, commonly seen in various historical, religious, or stylistic contexts

Etymology: The term "sidelocks" refers to locks or strands of hair that hang down at the sides of the face, and its origin is quite literal and descriptive. The word combines "side," denoting the part of the head near the ears or cheeks, with "locks," an old English word meaning strands or tufts of hair. This compound formation dates back to English usage where combining a directional or positional term with "locks" was a straightforward way to specify hair arrangements. The word "lock" itself has roots in Old English "locc," which meant a lock or curl of hair, a meaning that has persisted over centuries. The pairing with "side" simply clarifies the location of these hair strands, distinguishing them from locks found elsewhere on the head, such as the crown or back. Although "sidelocks" as a plural noun entered English by the late Middle Ages, its use was often tied to cultural or religious contexts. For example, in certain Jewish traditions, sidelocks—called "payot"—are worn by men as a visible sign of faithfulness to specific commandments. This particular cultural significance has kept the word alive and recognizable in English. Beyond cultural or religious connotations, the term has also been used in historical and literary descriptions to evoke a certain style or era, often associated with youth or innocence, as sidelocks were a common hairstyle for children and young men in various periods. Overall, the word remains a clear and direct way to describe hair that frames the face, carrying with it centuries of straightforward linguistic formation and occasional cultural weight.

Synonyms: payot, sideburns, peyos