bigwig
C1Informal, slightly humorous
Definition
Meaning
An important or influential person, especially in a particular field or organization.
A person who holds a high-ranking position, often with significant authority, prestige, or decision-making power; a VIP or top executive.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term often carries a slightly ironic or humorous tone, acknowledging the person's importance while sometimes subtly mocking the pomposity associated with high status. It is not typically used in formal writing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar in both varieties. The term is understood and used in both regions with no significant syntactic or semantic differences.
Connotations
Slightly more common in British English as a colloquialism, but well-established in American English. In both, it can imply a touch of sarcasm or irreverence.
Frequency
Moderate frequency in both varieties, primarily in spoken and journalistic contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[determiner] + bigwigbigwig + of + [organization/field]bigwig + from + [organization/place]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The bigwigs have decided.”
- “All the bigwigs were there.”
- “He's one of the bigwigs in the industry.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to refer to senior executives, CEOs, or major shareholders.
Academic
Rare; might refer humorously to a department head or renowned professor.
Everyday
Used informally to talk about important people in local communities, clubs, or workplaces.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My uncle is a bigwig at the factory.
- The company bigwigs are having a meeting today.
- All the local bigwigs came to the opening ceremony.
- The decision was made by the political bigwigs behind closed doors.
- She rubbed shoulders with media bigwigs at the film festival.
- Despite being a corporate bigwig, he was surprisingly approachable and down-to-earth.
- The conference was attended by bigwigs from the global tech industry.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a very BIG WIG (a large, elaborate wig) worn by an important judge or noble in the 18th century. The bigger the wig, the more important the person.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPORTANCE IS SIZE (big) + STATUS IS ELABORATE ATTIRE (wig).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translation as 'большой парик'.
- Do not confuse with 'шишка' (which is more colloquial and can be negative).
- Closest equivalents are 'важная шишка', 'большая шишка', or 'туз'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in formal writing.
- Spelling as two words: 'big wig'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He bigwigged the meeting' is incorrect).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the typical register of 'bigwig'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal and often used with a slightly humorous or irreverent tone. It is not suitable for formal reports or academic writing.
No, 'bigwig' is only a noun. There is no standard verb form.
It originates from the 18th century, referring to the large, elaborate wigs (perukes) worn by men of importance, such as judges and nobles.
It is not inherently offensive, but its slightly mocking tone means it should be used carefully. It can be seen as disrespectful if used directly to or about someone in a very formal context.
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