stijfkop

Stijfkop is a Dutch informal noun used to describe a person who is stubborn, inflexible, or resistant to change. The term literally combines stijf, meaning stiff, with kop, meaning head, and conveys the idea of a head set in its ways.

Origin and usage: The expression is common in the Netherlands and in Flemish-speaking parts of Belgium. It is a colloquial, somewhat playful insult that can be used affectionately among friends or more pejoratively depending on the context. It is typically heard in spoken language and in light media, rather than in formal writing.

Nuance and examples: A stijfkop is someone whose opinions or routines are hard to influence. It can describe a single behavior or a general attitude. Examples include resisting suggestions, arguing for the sake of argument, or refusing to change plans despite new information. The tone can range from teasing to critical, so the choice of delivery and relationship between speakers often determines how sharp the remark feels.

See also: koppig, stug, eigenwijs. These terms share the sense of stubbornness or rigidity, with varying degrees of formality and nuance.