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wigs on the green. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
wigs on the green, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
wigs on the green in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
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English
Etymology
In reference to the wigs that gentlemen used to wear, which might fall to the ground during a fight.
Noun
wigs on the green pl (plural only)
- (archaic, Ireland) A fight; a brawl.
1853 October 22, Captain Michael Rafter, “Done Brown”, in The London Journal, vol.XVIII no.452 p.119:“I am sorry to perceive, sir, as you say; but you have been in some hot work, sir! I'll engage you have seen some wigs on the green?”
“Wigs on the green!” exclaimed the elegant stranger, with a very cold, aristocratical stare.
“Beg pardon, sir!” said Mr. Brown, when he became conscious of his vulgarity. “'Tis our Irish mode of expression, sir, when we speak of a row, or a skrimmage! I dare say you have been in many a skrimmage, Sir John![”]
- (dated, Ireland, as a formulaic threat) Big trouble.
- 1998 Frank McCourt, Angela's Ashes Ch.XII (Simon and Schuster, →ISBN) p.272:
- She says, If ye don't fix yeer brother's shoes an' I have to get out of this bed there will be wigs on the green.