top of page

"Big Wig"

The Hair-Raising History of Power

Portrait of Louis XIV wearing an elaborate wig, symbol of status and power in 17th-century Europe

The term “bigwig” refers to someone important or influential, and its roots go back to the 17th and 18th centuries. At that time, wigs were more than fashion. They were a statement of wealth, power, and authority across Europe.


Louis XIII of France first wore wigs to hide his thinning hair, but it was his son, Louis XIV, the Sun King, who truly made them a trend. His elaborate human-hair wigs set the standard for the French court, and the style spread quickly through the aristocracy. Soon, nobility, judges, and political figures in England and beyond were towering under horsehair and human-hair creations that cost a fortune to maintain.


The bigger and more ornate the wig, the higher the status of the wearer. Judges and senior politicians in particular were known for their massive wigs, which became shorthand for authority. By the early 1700s, people were using the term “bigwig” to describe anyone who held serious power or influence.


Don't stop here. He also popularized high heels!

ADVERTISEMENTS

French Blooms: Floral Arrangements

French Blooms: Floral Arrangements

Inspired by Paris and Beyond

French Chateau Style:

French Chateau Style:

Inside France's Most Exquisite Private Homes

facts.png
FACTS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN
The Hidden Highways Beneath the Sea
SCIENCE & NATURE

The Hidden Highways Beneath the Sea

The Real Reason Some Eggs Are Brown and Others White
FOOD & DRINK

The Real Reason Some Eggs Are Brown and Others White

Epaulets: When Uniforms Got Fancy
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Epaulets: When Uniforms Got Fancy

Coffee's Origin Story: Goats, Monks and a Fire
FOOD & DRINK

Coffee's Origin Story: Goats, Monks and a Fire

The Bank Vault Full of Cheese
FOOD & DRINK

The Bank Vault Full of Cheese

Why The Moon Looks Bigger on the Horizon
SCIENCE & NATURE

Why The Moon Looks Bigger on the Horizon

ADVERTISEMENT

Emile Henry 9" Pie Dish

Emile Henry 9" Pie Dish

Modern Classics Collection, Made in France

Garnier Thiebaut French Jacquard

Garnier Thiebaut French Jacquard

Kitchen Towel

popular.png
POPULAR NOW
Photograph of Sarah Parcak, archaeologist who uses satellite imagery to discover hidden ruins
PEOPLE

The Space Archaeologist Who Uses Satellites to Uncover Lost Civilizations

White Lamborghini sports car, symbol of Ferruccio Lamborghini’s break from Ferrari and his leap into the supercar world.
HISTORY & INNOVATIONS

The Tractor King Who Took on Ferrari

Photograph of Woman with Red Hair blowing a bubble with green bubble gum to illustrate the origin story of Wrigley's
HISTORY & INNOVATIONS

Wrigley's First Product Might Surprise You

Photograph of newborn baby sleeping
SCIENCE & NATURE

So...Can Men Really Smell Fertility?

Close-up photograph of a vibrant flower petal nest made by an Osmia avosetta bee, showing layers of purple and pink petals arranged in a delicate, cup-like structure.
SCIENCE & NATURE

The Prettiest Nest on Earth

Stone carving of Mayan ruler
HISTORY & INNOVATIONS

Why the Ancient Maya Wanted Crossed Eyes:

ADVERTISEMENT

The Paris Flea Market

The Paris Flea Market

Les Puces de Paris

Women's French Beret

Women's French Beret

Solid Color Classic Hat

bottom of page