Bigwig
/ˈbɪɡ.wɪɡ/noun
An important person in a particular sphere or activity.
Did you know?The term 'bigwig' dates back to the 17th century, when aristocrats wore large wigs to signify their status, literally wearing their power on their heads!
Etymological Timeline
Middle English
English
bigge
“large, great, or important.”
16th Century
English
wig
“a hairpiece worn as a symbol of social status.”
17th Century
English
bigwig
“a term for someone important, originally referring to those who wore large wigs.”
Modern English
English
bigwig
“a colloquial term for someone of high status or influence.”