head-scratching

== English == === Alternative forms === head scratching === Etymology === head + scratching, from the fact that many people scratch the side of their head when confused. === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈhɛdskɹatʃɪŋ/ (General American) IPA(key): /ˈhɛdskɹætʃɪŋ/ Hyphenation: head‧scratch‧ing === Adjective === head-scratching (comparative more head-scratching, superlative most head-scratching) (idiomatic) Confusing, perplexing, puzzling. ==== Synonyms ==== bemusing bewildering See also Thesaurus:confusing === Noun === head-scratching (plural head-scratchings) (idiomatic) Confusion. ==== Synonyms ==== bemusement bewilderment See also Thesaurus:confusion === See also === beard-stroking chin-stroking