headiest

Headiest is the superlative form of heady, an adjective used to describe substances or experiences with a strong, stimulating, or intoxicating effect. The sense of heady often implies effects felt in the head—such as dizziness, exhilaration, or a cerebral high—though it can also indicate intense sensory or emotional impact. As such, the headiest item in a group is the one with the greatest potency or impression.

In usage, heady can describe beverages, particularly those with high alcohol content or pronounced aromas, as well as cannabis strains deemed cerebral or uplifting. It also applies to fragrances and flavors with potent, heady top notes, and to non-substance experiences that provoke vigorous mental or emotional reactions, such as a heady debate or a heady moment of celebration. The term can carry either positive connotations (exciting, sophisticated) or negative ones (overpowering, overwhelming) depending on context.

Etymology traces heady to the idea of effects perceived in the head, with headiness referring to the quality of being heady. The standard comparative and superlative forms are headier and headiest; however, headiest is sometimes misspelled as headiest in casual use. See also headiness, potency, intoxication, and cerebral effect.