Wool-headed
/WOOL-hed-id/ adjective (insult)
≈ “Stupid / Stubborn”
An insult meaning someone stubbornly denying truth or acting foolishly. Nynaeve's signature put-down.
“Men! Wool-headed fools, the lot of them!”— Nynaeve al'Meara
Etymology
Derived from 'wool' (sheep-like, not thinking clearly) and 'headed.' Suggests someone with wool for brains who refuses to see reason.
Usage History
Used extensively throughout all 14 Wheel of Time books, most frequently by Nynaeve al'Meara.
Taboo Trajectory
Mild by any standard. Part of the Wheel of Time's generally restrained approach to profanity. Its charm is in its folksy specificity.
Semantic Drift Timeline
Remained Nynaeve's signature insult throughout the entire series.
Regional Notes
Two Rivers / Westlands expression.
Real-World Euphemisms
StubbornThickheadedBlockheadMule-headed