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Bigwigs Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bigwigs

[หˆbษชษกหŒwษชษกz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in business

Important or influential people, especially those involved in a particular industry or organization.

Synonyms

VIPs, executives, moguls.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bigwigs

This term is used informally to describe people who have a lot of power or influence, usually in a humorous or slightly mocking way.

  • All the bigwigs are attending the conference next week.
  • We need approval from the bigwigs before moving forward.

Examples of usage

  • The bigwigs of the tech industry gathered for a conference.
  • The company's bigwigs made the final decision on the merger.
  • Bigwigs from various sectors attended the event.
Context #2 | Noun

historical

A person of importance or high rank, especially in a political or social context.

Synonyms

dignitary, elite, notable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bigwigs

Often used in casual or informal situations to describe people with a lot of power or influence, usually in business or politics.

  • All the bigwigs from the company attended the annual meeting.
  • You need approval from the bigwigs to get this project started.
dignitary

Used in formal contexts to refer to people who hold significant rank or position, especially in government or diplomatic environments.

  • Several dignitaries from neighboring countries were present at the summit.
  • The city is preparing for the visit of international dignitaries.
notable

Used to describe someone or something that is worthy of attention or notice, often due to achievements or prominence.

  • She was a notable figure in the community.
  • The conference was filled with notable speakers.
elite

Refers to a group of people considered to be the best in a particular society or field, often with a connotation of exclusivity.

  • Only the elite athletes can compete at this level.
  • The event was attended by the elite of the literary world.

Examples of usage

  • The bigwigs of the royal court were in attendance.
  • He was a bigwig in the literary circles of the time.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Bigwigs often appear in movies and shows as characters with significant influence, like corporate leaders or government officials.
  • In cartoons, bigwigs might be shown with exaggerated features, like oversized suits or flashy accessories, to emphasize their importance.
  • Shows like 'The Office' humorously depict how bigwigs can have strict and sometimes silly rules.

Business

  • Bigwigs usually make high-stakes decisions that can affect many people's jobs and the direction of a company.
  • They often attend important meetings, conferences, and events to network and build relationships.
  • Many businesses have a hierarchy where bigwigs are at the top, responsible for overall strategy and vision.

Sociology

  • The presence of bigwigs in organizations can lead to a culture that prioritizes hierarchical structures rather than collaboration.
  • Studies show that bigwigs often influence company morale and employee satisfaction through their leadership styles.
  • Understanding bigwig dynamics can shed light on issues related to power, authority, and decision-making in society.

Origin of 'bigwigs'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'bigwig' dates back to the 18th century when wealthy individuals wore large wigs as a symbol of status.
  • Wigs were expensive and hard to maintain, making them a sign of someone who had a lot of power and resources.
  • The phrase gradually evolved to refer to anyone in a position of authority rather than just those wearing wigs.

The term 'bigwigs' originated in the 17th century, where the term 'wig' was a symbol of status and power. Bigwigs were individuals who wore large, elaborate wigs to signify their importance and high rank in society. Over time, the term evolved to represent influential and powerful people in various fields.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,830, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.