The term "bigwig" refers to an important or influential person. Its origin dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe, particularly in England, when wearing wigs was a symbol of social status and authority. During the 17th and 18th centuries, wigs, also known as perukes, became fashionable among the European elite. 

These wigs were often large and elaborate, made from horsehair or human hair, and were expensive to maintain. They were worn by nobility, judges, and other high-ranking individuals as a sign of their wealth, status, and authority. The larger and more ornate the wig, the higher the status of the wearer. Judges and senior political figures, in particular, were known for wearing the most impressive wigs. 

This association between large wigs and high status led to the term "bigwig" being used to describe someone of importance or influence. The term "bigwig" itself began to appear in the early 18th century as a colloquial way to refer to these prominent individuals. It combined "big," implying importance or grandeur, with "wig," the item of fashion that symbolized their status.