a wig with frizzy hair standing straight up from the surface
b.
a hairstyle resembling this
fright wig in American English
Slang
a wig made of synthetic, often brightly colored fibers that stick out from the head
fright wig in American English
noun
a wig of wild, unruly hair, esp. hair projecting outward in all directions, as worn by some clowns and comedians to give a comic effect of extreme fright or excitement
Word origin
[1925–30]This word is first recorded in the period 1925–30. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: Nazi, buildup, distinctive feature, recycle, runout
Examples of 'fright wig' in a sentence
fright wig
Who is this person in a fright wig?
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
She is often pictured tottering down the street in some outlandish get-up and fright wig.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
His knees buckled and, thanks to a specially constructed 'fright wig' that let his hair stick up, his hat fell off.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
They are decked out in fright wigs, dresses and face paint to confound their enemies — but, for one among them, appearance is doubly deceptive.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
It is terrifying and the people in fright wigs were as good as gold from that moment on.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
His latest collection is a souped-up, monochrome take on gothic glamour, complete with vastly oversized proportions, fright wigs and death-defying platforms.