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Dictionary

Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.

wigs on the green en · NOUN

Etymology

In reference to the wigs that gentlemen used to wear, which might fall to the ground during a fight.

Meanings

  1. (Ireland, archaic, plural, plural-only) A fight; a brawl.
    • “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![”] 1853 October 22, Captain Michael Rafter, “Done Brown”, in The London Journal, vol.XVIII no.452 p.119:
  2. (Ireland, as a formulaic threat, dated, plural, plural-only) Big trouble.
    • 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. 1998 Frank McCourt, Angela's Ashes Ch.XII (Simon and Schuster) p.272