Many people feel unsure about callick or cowlick because the word sounds tricky.
You might write, “He has a callick on his head,” and stop to check the spelling.
This happens because the sound can make people think it starts with ca instead of cow.
The correct spelling is cowlick. It means a small section of hair that sticks up or grows in a different direction.
Callick is just a misspelling and is not correct in standard English.
Using the right word matters in both formal and casual writing.
Whether you are talking about hairstyles, writing a story, or posting online, always use cowlick. Now you can use it with confidence.
Callick or Cowlick – Quick Answer
✅ Correct spelling: cowlick
❌ Incorrect spelling: callick
Explanation
- Cowlick is a noun that refers to a tuft of hair that grows in a different direction, usually sticking up or swirling.
- Callick is a common typo or misspelling.
Examples
- He tried to flatten the cowlick with gel.
- Her cowlick made her hairstyle look unique.
- Even after brushing, the cowlick remained stubborn.
❌ Incorrect: He tried to flatten the callick with gel.
Quick Tip: If you are describing a tuft of hair that resists combing, always use cowlick.
The Origin of Callick or Cowlick
Word Origin
- The term cowlick comes from combining cow + lick, referring to the way a cow might lick its calf, leaving a tuft of hair sticking up.
- First recorded in English around the 16th–17th century, it has been used to describe hair that naturally sticks up.
Why the Spelling Confusion Exists
- The pronunciation can make it sound like callick, especially to non-native speakers.
- English spelling often confuses learners because ow can sound like a in some accents.
- Dictionaries only recognize cowlick, not callick.
British English vs American English Spelling
Consistency Across Regions
Both British and American English use cowlick. There is no accepted variant like callick.
Comparison Table
| Feature | British English | American English | Notes |
| Correct spelling | cowlick | cowlick | Standard in all contexts |
| Common typo | callick | callick | Incorrect |
| Usage | Hairstyling, informal/fun writing | Hairstyling, informal/fun writing | Identical usage |
| Pronunciation | /ˈkaʊlɪk/ | /ˈkaʊlɪk/ | Minor accent difference |
Examples
- UK: His cowlick made it difficult to style his hair neatly.
- US: She tried to tame her cowlick with hairspray.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
General Advice
- Always use cowlick in formal, informal, and creative writing.
- Avoid callick, which is considered incorrect.
Audience-Based Guidance
US English Writers
- ✔️ Use cowlick in emails, social media posts, articles, and essays.
UK & Commonwealth Writers
- ✔️ Same guidance: cowlick is correct across all English-speaking countries.
Global English Learners
- ✔️ Memorize cowlick as the standard spelling.
- ✔️ Associate it with hair tuft sticking up to remember the correct form.
Common Mistakes with Callick or Cowlick
- ❌ He has a callick on the front of his head.
✔️ He has a cowlick on the front of his head. - ❌ Her callick made combing her hair difficult.
✔️ Her cowlick made combing her hair difficult. - ❌ The stylist ignored the callick entirely.
✔️ The stylist ignored the cowlick entirely. - ❌ Even gel couldn’t fix the callick.
✔️ Even gel couldn’t fix the cowlick. - ❌ Callicks often give a unique look.
✔️ Cowlicks often give a unique look.
Tips to Avoid Mistakes
- Remember: cowlick = cow + lick. Think of the origin.
- Pronounce it slowly: cow-lick → reinforces correct spelling.
- Always check dictionaries if unsure.
Callick vs Cowlick in Everyday Examples
In Emails
✔️ Please make sure to style her cowlick carefully before the photoshoot.
❌ Please make sure to style her callick carefully before the photoshoot.
In News Headlines
✔️ Actor’s cowlick becomes trending topic after movie premiere.
❌ Actor’s callick becomes trending topic after movie premiere.
On Social Media
✔️ Can’t tame my cowlick today! Hair woes 😅
❌ Can’t tame my callick today! Hair woes 😅
In Text Messaging
✔️ My cowlick is too stubborn today.
❌ My callick is too stubborn today.
In Formal Writing
✔️ Even in professional settings, a visible cowlick can affect hairstyle perception.
❌ Even in professional settings, a visible callick can affect hairstyle perception.
Cowlick or Callick – Google Trends & Usage Data
Why People Search This Term
- Confusion over pronunciation and spelling
- ESL learners proofreading writing
- Hairstylists or content creators checking proper usage
Popularity by Country
- US
- UK
- Canada
- Australia
- India
Observations
- Searches peak in fashion, hairstyling, and beauty blogs.
- Cowlick dominates in dictionaries and professional writing.
- Callick mainly appears as a typo in casual writing.
Keyword Variations Side by Side
| Phrase | Meaning | Correct Usage |
| cowlick | Tuft of hair growing differently | ✔️ Standard |
| callick | Misspelling of cowlick | ❌ Avoid |
| stubborn cowlick | Difficult-to-control hair tuft | ✔️ Her stubborn cowlick resisted the comb. |
| natural cowlick | Hair tuft naturally growing differently | ✔️ His natural cowlick made styling tricky. |
| cowlicks | Plural form | ✔️ Cowlicks often appear at the crown of the head. |
FAQs
1. Is callick ever correct?
No. Callick is a misspelling. Always use cowlick.
2. How can I remember the correct spelling?
Think: cowlick = cow + lick, the origin of the term.
3. Can a cowlick be tamed?
Yes. Styling tools, gel, and haircuts can manage cowlicks, but some remain stubborn.
4. Are there British vs American differences?
No. Both use cowlick identically.
5. Can cowlicks be considered fashionable?
Yes. Many hairstyles embrace cowlicks for a unique look.
6. Is cowlick used in formal writing?
Yes, particularly in fashion, hairstyling, and descriptive writing.
7. What is the plural of cowlick?
Cowlicks: Cowlicks are common among children and adults.
Conclusion
The confusion between callick or cowlick is common, but the correct spelling is always cowlick.
It means a small tuft of hair that grows in a different direction and does not stay flat.
Callick is just a typo and should not be used in any type of writing.
Both British and American English use cowlick the same way.
The word comes from cow + lick, which makes it easier to remember. A helpful trick is to picture a cow licking hair and leaving it sticking up.
By always using cowlick, your writing stays clear, professional, and correct. Avoid callick in school, work, or online content.
I’m Karl Wiggins, a content writer specializing in English grammar, vocabulary, and common language mistakes, with an emphasis on clarity and accuracy.
