Split ends and cowlicks

Why do they call them split ENDS?? Mine all seem to be half way up the hair shaft. I've heard that you are only supposed to trim the very end of the split end when you trim individual hairs. Does this mean that if my hair is split high up on the shaft I shouldn't be cutting it? My hairs all seem to be different lengths because of being fine and more prone to breakage. Am I making matters worse by the way I am trimming my "split ends"? Also, on the subject of cowlicks: I have one at the back of my head where my part ends and it makes me look bald if I don't cover it. Anyone else have this problem?Leslie