2007-12-04 07:29:00 · 2 answers · asked by Matthew David 4 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
The fashion for wigs began with the Bourbon kings of France. Louis XIII (1601 - 1643) went prematurely bald and took to wearing a wig. By the middle of the century, and especially during the reign of Louis XIV, The Sun King, wigs were virtually obligatory for all European nobility and 'persons of quality'.
At that time they were known in England as periwigs, which was shortened to wig by 1675.
Wigs were expensive to purchase and to keep in condition and were the preserve of the powerful and wealthy. Ostentation was the order of the day in Bourbon France and over time the wigs became bigger, often to the point of absurdity and requiring of scaffolding.
It isn't difficult to imagine how the term 'big-wig' emerged to refer to the rich and powerful.
2007-12-04 07:36:26 · answer #1 · answered by jurydoc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Back in the day, before stripes and medals and coloured belts, the hierarchy in a society was illustrated using natural materials - the best/most/biggest kills in hunts. The big-wig referred to the most imposing appearance of the chief who would have the pick of the feathers to make a giant headdress. Sorry that's not more scientific.
2007-12-04 15:38:15 · answer #2 · answered by louise t 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋