deadhead

Deadhead is a term with several meanings across different domains. In horticulture, deadheading is the practice of removing spent blossoms to encourage further flowering and maintain plant appearance. In transportation and logistics, deadheading describes travel or operation without revenue passengers or cargo, often to reposition equipment or crews. In popular culture, Deadhead refers to a fan of the Grateful Dead, especially those who followed the band on tour.

In gardening, gardeners deadhead by cutting back the stem above the next flowering bud or leaf node with clean shears. This can promote rebloom in some species, prevent seed formation, and improve the plant's vigor and appearance. Not all plants require deadheading; some will rebloom on their own, and excessive trimming can reduce overall vigor. Techniques vary by plant type.

Deadheads emerged in the 1960s in the Grateful Dead's San Francisco Bay Area scene. They are noted for extensive tour attendance, tape trading, and a distinctive community ethos. The term has broadened to describe any devoted fan who follows a band on tour. While often celebrated for communal experiences, individual behavior among Deadheads has varied and is not universal.

Deadheading in aviation, rail, and trucking refers to moving a vehicle or crew without revenue service. For example, airline crews or aircraft may deadhead to a base or to begin a trip; a crew member may travel as a passenger or travel in an unofficial capacity. The practice ensures operational flexibility but adds non-revenue mileage and cost, and is tracked for scheduling and accounting purposes. In some industries, strict safety or regulatory rules govern deadheading activities.