Quick Quiz: What do these three phrases have in common?
- The Head of the Department.
- We are heading north.
- Use your head!
In traditional grammar, these are just different definitions. But at Smart Vocabulary Coach, we know they are connected. They all come from the physical logic of your body.
The Core Prototype: The Control Center
Definition: The upper part of the human body that contains the brain, eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. It is physically the “top” of us and the center of our thinking.
Because the head physically controls the body, we use it to describe Leadership and Intelligence. (See also: How we view the Mind as a Machine).
1. HEAD IS TOP (Hierarchy)
Since the head is at the top of the body, we use it for the person at the top of an organization.
- Head of State: The leader of a country.
- Headquarters: The main office.
- Heading the list: Being at the very top.
2. HEAD IS MIND (Intellect)
Because the brain is inside, “Head” stands for thinking.
- Use your head: Think clearly.
- Keep your head: Stay calm (don’t lose mental control).
- Over my head: Too hard to understand (it is “above” my mental reach).
3. FACE IS FRONT (Direction)
Our eyes are on our face. Where our head points, our body goes.
- Heading home: Moving in the direction your head is pointing.
- Head-on collision: Crashing front-to-front.
- Head start: Starting before others (being in front).
Why do we say this?
Lakoff’s Insight: We map “Head” to “Leadership” because in our physical experience, the head controls the body. Therefore, the person who controls an organization is metaphorically the “Head.” We don’t say the “Foot of the State” because feet don’t control; they support.
Test Your Cognitive Logic
Can you match the phrase to the metaphor?
1. “We are heading south.” Which logic is this?
2. “He lost his head.” What happened?
3. Why is it “Headquarters”?