Pronunciation: [tˈə͡ʊhɛd] (IPA) 
The word "towhead" is often misspelled as "tow-headed" because of the mistaken belief that it refers to the color of hair. In fact, "tow" refers to the unprocessed flax fibers used to make yarn, and "towhead" originally meant a person with light-colored hair that looked like tow. The correct spelling is /ˈtoʊhɛd/, with the stress on the first syllable and the vowel in the second syllable pronounced like the "e" in "bed."
A "towhead" is a noun that refers to a person with very light or white hair, especially if it appears almost blond or lacking color. It is commonly used to describe individuals, especially children, who have a distinct pale coloration of their hair, usually characterized by shades of yellow or white. The term "towhead" originated from the reference to the color of flax fibers called "tow," which has a similar light-colored appearance, resembling straw or blonde hair. Towhead is typically used in a colloquial or informal manner.
The term can also be used to describe a sandbar or small island in a river or stream that is covered with light or pale-colored grasses, often giving a blond or pale appearance. These islands typically stand out due to the contrast between the whitish vegetation and the surrounding darker water or riverbank. The term "towhead" is derived from the appearance of these islands, which resemble the light-colored hair of individuals referred to as towheads.
The use of "towhead" as a descriptor for individuals is often used to convey a sense of innocence or youthfulness. However, it should be noted that the term may be considered outdated or even offensive by some, as it focuses on hair color and may perpetuate stereotypes associated with blond or light-haired individuals.
The word "towhead" can have different etymological origins depending on its usage.
1. In the United States, particularly in the Midwest and southern regions, "towhead" refers to a person with very light or bleached blond hair. The term originates from the combination of "tow", which refers to flax or hemp fibers used for making coarse yarn or thread, and "head", which simply means the head. This usage is metaphorical, comparing the light color of someone's hair to the pale, straw-like appearance of tow fibers.
2. Another usage of "towhead" is in the context of geography. It refers to a sandbar, island, or low-lying piece of land covered with light-colored or blonde-colored vegetation. This usage has a different etymology.
