Wig Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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wig

[wษชษก ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

hair

A covering for the head, consisting of a network of interwoven hair.

Synonyms

hair wig, hairpiece, toupee.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wig

A general term used for a hair covering that can be worn for various purposes such as fashion, costume, or to cover hair loss.

  • She wore a blonde wig to the party
  • Actors often use wigs in historical movies.
hairpiece

A smaller piece of hair or synthetic material used to add volume or length to existing hair, often for fashion or partial coverage.

  • She uses a hairpiece to make her hair look fuller.
  • The stylist recommended a hairpiece for the wedding.
hair wig

Specifically refers to wigs made of human or synthetic hair, often used for fashion purposes or to cover hair loss.

  • After her chemotherapy, she preferred a hair wig that looked natural.
  • He bought a hair wig to complete his cosplay outfit.
toupee

A type of hairpiece specifically designed for men to cover bald spots or thinning hair, typically has a negative or outdated connotation.

  • He wears a toupee to cover his receding hairline.
  • The toupee wasn't very convincing, and it was obvious.

Examples of usage

  • Wigs were commonly worn in the 18th century as a fashion accessory.
  • She decided to wear a wig to the costume party.
  • The judge's wig symbolizes authority in the courtroom.
  • The actor wore a wig to transform into a different character for the movie.
  • I bought a wig for the Halloween costume.
Context #2 | Noun

disguise

A false appearance designed to deceive.

Synonyms

camouflage, disguise, pretense.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wig

Used to describe a head covering made from human or synthetic hair, often worn for fashion, role-playing, or to cover baldness.

  • She wore a blonde wig to the costume party
  • He used a wig after his chemotherapy treatment
disguise

Something that is worn or done to hide one's identity or to change one's appearance.

  • He wore a fake mustache as a disguise
  • The spy used a disguise to infiltrate the enemy base
pretense

Refers to an act of pretending or putting on a false display, often with a negative connotation as it implies deceit.

  • Her kindness was just a pretense to get what she wanted
  • He dropped the pretense of being wealthy once he was found out
camouflage

Primarily refers to clothing or designs that help someone or something blend into their surroundings, often used in a military context.

  • The soldiers wore camouflage to blend into the forest
  • The lizard's skin acts as a natural camouflage

Examples of usage

  • He wore a wig and glasses as part of his disguise.
  • The criminal used a wig to change his appearance.
  • She put on a wig to conceal her identity.
  • The undercover agent wore a wig to blend in with the crowd.
  • The spy wore a wig to avoid detection.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • Wigs date back to ancient Egypt where they were worn by both men and women as a sign of status and fashion.
  • In the 17th century, European nobles started wearing elaborate wigs to display wealth and power, leading to the trend of powdered wigs.
  • The term 'wig' comes from the word 'periwig,' which was used in the 18th century to refer to a type of long wig worn in formal settings.

Cultural Significance

  • Wigs have cultural significance in various societies, including traditional hairstyles in African cultures, where wigs may symbolize heritage or identity.
  • In the theatre, wigs are essential for actors to transform into characters, enhancing storytelling by visually representing different personas.
  • In contemporary fashion, wigs are often used for personal expression, allowing individuals to change their hair color or style without committing to a haircut.

Scientific Insights

  • The creation of wigs involves advanced techniques such as lace front technology, allowing for a realistic hairline and natural appearance.
  • Research shows that wigs made from synthetic materials can be lighter and more durable, making them a popular choice for everyday wear.
  • Professional wig-making is a skilled craft that often requires knowledge of hair texture, color matching, and the anatomy of the human head.

Fashion Trends

  • The modern wig industry has expanded greatly due to social media influence, allowing trends like vivid colors and various styles to gain popularity.
  • Celebrities often set trends with their wig choices on red carpets, showcasing the versatility and appeal of wigs in contemporary fashion.
  • Fashion events often feature wigs as statement accessories, demonstrating that they can be as elaborate and artistic as any clothing piece.

Psychological Aspects

  • Studies suggest that wearing a wig can boost confidence and alter a personโ€™s self-perception, aiding in presentations or social situations.
  • Some individuals wear wigs as part of coping mechanisms during hair loss due to medical conditions, helping them regain a sense of normalcy.
  • Psychologically, changing oneโ€™s hairstyle with a wig can represent a change in identity or a fresh start, influencing mood and self-esteem.

Origin of 'wig'

The word 'wig' originated from the French word 'perruque' in the 1670s, referring to a fashionable head covering made of human or synthetic hair. Wigs have been used throughout history for various purposes, including fashion, cultural traditions, and disguises. In the 18th century, wigs became a symbol of status and were commonly worn by nobility and the elite. Today, wigs are still used for theatrical performances, costume parties, and to conceal hair loss.


See also: periwig, wiggle.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,097, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.