Bigwig: meaning, definitions and examples
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bigwig
[ ˈbɪɡwɪɡ ]
important person
A bigwig is an important person, especially in a particular sphere or group. They are often influential and have a high social status.
Synonyms
VIP, high up, muckety-muck.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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bigwig |
Use this when referring to someone important or influential in a particular organization or field, often informally and sometimes humorously.
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VIP |
Short for 'Very Important Person', this term is widely used in contexts where special status, privileges, or treatment is given.
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high up |
This term describes someone who holds a high position within an organization, rarely used and often in casual conversation.
|
muckety-muck |
This word refers to an important person but is often used with a sarcastic or negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- He was a bigwig in the entertainment industry.
- The bigwig of the company made an appearance at the event.
- She acted like a bigwig, ordering everyone around.
wig with large curls
In historical context, a bigwig refers to a wig with large curls, typically worn by wealthy or prominent individuals in the past.
Synonyms
full-bottomed wig, periwig.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
bigwig |
Used in the same way as 'bigwig,' meaning an important and influential person.
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periwig |
This is another term for an elaborate wig worn in the 17th and 18th centuries, often in historical or literary contexts.
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full-bottomed wig |
This is a type of elaborate wig that was worn by men, particularly in the 17th and 18th centuries. The context is often historical or theatrical.
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Examples of usage
- The nobleman wore a bigwig to the royal ball.
- The bigwig was a symbol of status and wealth in the 18th century.
Translations
Translations of the word "bigwig" in other languages:
🇵🇹 figurão
🇮🇳 बड़ा आदमी
🇩🇪 hohes Tier
🇮🇩 orang penting
🇺🇦 важлива персона
🇵🇱 gruba ryba
🇯🇵 大物
🇫🇷 gros bonnet
🇪🇸 pez gordo
🇹🇷 önemli kişi
🇰🇷 거물
🇸🇦 شخصية مهمة
🇨🇿 velká zvíře
🇸🇰 veľká ryba
🇨🇳 大人物
🇸🇮 velika glava
🇮🇸 stórt nafn
🇰🇿 маңызды адам
🇬🇪 დიდი პიროვნება
🇦🇿 önəmli şəxs
🇲🇽 pez gordo
Etymology
The term 'bigwig' originated in the 17th century, combining 'big' (meaning important) and 'wig' (referring to the hairpiece). Initially, it was used to describe wealthy or influential individuals who wore elaborate wigs as a symbol of their status. Over time, the term evolved to encompass any important person in various contexts.