Heady - Does this word mean what I think it means?

When I look up the word "heady" in the dictionary, it seems that the main definition is "tending to intoxicate." Farther down, "having an exhilarating effect" and "intellectually demanding" are also definitions.

For some reason, when I have heard this word used, I have associated it with meaning something like "too intellectual or philosophical; not practical enough" or "too much thinking and not enough practical application."

My questions are: 1) does anyone else understand this word like I do? and 2) if not, what are some similar terms that I could use instead?

Solution 1:

I've never seen the term heady used with the connotation you are suggesting, unless you are referring to the following meanings:

• marked by or showing good judgment : shrewd, intelligent
• intellectually stimulating or demanding. (M-W)

Heady (adj.):

• late 14c., "headstrong, hasty, impetuous," from head (n.) + adj. suffix -y (2). First recorded 1570s in sense of "apt to go to the head."

Cerebral may suggest what you are referring to:

• Intellectual rather than emotional or physical:

Solution 2:

My mother used to always ask me why am I so heady ( she meant hardheaded).

late 14c., "headstrong, hasty, impetuous," from head (n.) + adj. suffix -y (2). First recorded 1570s in sense of "apt to go to the head."

Source: Etymonline