pigtailed

Pigtailed is an adjective used to describe someone or something that has pig tails. In everyday use, it most often refers to a hairstyle in which hair is divided into two sections and gathered on either side of the head, typically secured with hair ties or ribbons.

Hair arrangements described as pigtailed can vary: two simple ponytails, braids, or more elaborate styles, worn high on the head, at the sides, or low near the nape. They are common in children’s fashion but appear in adult styles as well, and may be paired with ribbons, beads, or extensions.

Etymology and history: The term derives from pigtail, a phrase likening a hairstyle to a pig’s tail; the compound pigtailed appears in English from the 18th century. The hairstyle has appeared in many cultures and periods, sometimes as practical wear and other times as a fashion or uniform element. In some eras, the style carried social cues about youth, playfulness, or informality.

Other uses: In technical contexts, pigtailed or pigtail describes a short length of conductor or fiber connected to a device or terminal, such as a pigtail wire or optical pigtail. The term is common in electrical, electronic, and telecommunications usage and is distinct from broader terms describing tails or branching.