Wigged Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

😱
Add to dictionary

wigged

[wÉŞÉĄd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

slang expression

To be wigged refers to being extremely nervous, anxious, or excited. It is often used in informal contexts to describe a heightened emotional state.

Synonyms

freaked out, panicked, stressed.

Examples of usage

  • I totally wigged when I saw the spider.
  • She wigged out over the exam results.
  • He always wigs when he hears thunder.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • 'Wigging out' gained popularity in music and film during the late 20th century, often used in scenes depicting comic or extreme reactions.
  • Songs and TV shows often use the phrase to illustrate characters' outrageous responses to shocking news or events, contributing to its lasting relevance.
  • The phrase has been featured in several catchy songs, making it a memorable expression among younger audiences.

Psychology

  • Experiencing a 'wig out' can be linked to the body's fight-or-flight response, where a person feels overwhelmed by stress.
  • Understanding how we 'wig out' connects to coping mechanisms, as recognizing triggers can help manage stress more effectively.
  • The sudden emotional response represented by 'wigging' is a natural part of human experience and often reflects our need to process anxiety.

Social Context

  • In social circles, saying someone 'wigged out' often carries a humorous undertone, especially when the situation was not as serious as perceived.
  • Friends or peers may jokingly use the term to lighten the mood after someone has had an overwhelming experience.
  • The phrase works as a social bonding tool, as sharing a laugh about a stressful moment can help alleviate tension.

Origin of 'wigged'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'wigged out' is believed to have roots in 1960s American slang, connecting to feelings of distress or anxiety.
  • The use of 'wig' as a verb in this context likely came from a playful twisting of language, emphasizing its association with hairpieces and surprise.
  • Slang expressions surrounding 'wigged!' show the dynamic evolution of language, adapting different terms to express feelings.

The term 'wigged out' originated in American slang, particularly within youth culture, during the late 20th century. The word 'wig' itself has a longer history, deriving from the Middle English word 'wigge,' which referred to a hairpiece worn to cover a bald head. The transformation of 'wig' into a verb meaning to lose control or become agitated reflects a playful linguistic evolution. The phrase gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, especially among teenagers and young adults, and has since permeated various aspects of popular culture, including music, television, and social media. Today, 'wigged out' is commonly used to describe moments of panic, overreaction, or intense emotional responses.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,845, 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.