Wig vs. Wag — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 4, 2024
"Wig" refers to a head covering made from real or synthetic hair, used for cosmetic, theatrical, or ceremonial purposes, whereas "wag" typically describes a back-and-forth or side-to-side movement, often associated with the tail of an animal.
Difference Between Wig and Wag
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Key Differences
A wig is a hairpiece crafted from human, animal, or synthetic fibers designed to cover the head, primarily used to enhance appearance or conceal hair loss. On the other hand, to wag means to move or cause to move rapidly back and forth or from side to side, commonly used to describe the action of an animal's tail.
Wigs serve a cosmetic function, allowing individuals to alter their hairstyle without permanent changes to their natural hair. Conversely, wagging is a form of non-verbal communication, particularly in animals like dogs, indicating emotions such as excitement, agitation, or friendliness.
The use of wigs dates back to ancient civilizations for purposes ranging from fashion to disguise or as a status symbol. Whereas wagging, as a term, is primarily behavioral, observed in various animal species as a natural instinctual reaction.
Wigs can be custom-made and styled in countless ways to fit personal tastes or specific requirements, such as in the case of theatrical performances or medical needs. On the other hand, wagging is an involuntary action that animals use to express themselves and interact with their environment.
While wigs are an external addition to a person's appearance and can be manipulated or changed as desired, wagging is an innate behavior that cannot be controlled to the same extent and serves different communicative purposes.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A head covering made from real or synthetic hair
A rapid movement back and forth or side to side
Purpose
Cosmetic, theatrical, ceremonial
Communication, expression of emotion
Usage
Human adornment
Animal behavior
Control
Can be chosen or altered at will
Natural and often involuntary
Variability
Various styles, colors, and materials
Limited to the type of movement
Compare with Definitions
Wig
A covering for the head made from real or synthetic hair.
She wore a blonde wig to the costume party.
Wag
To move something, especially a tail or a finger, back and forth or from side to side.
The happy dog wagged its tail vigorously.
Wig
A hairpiece used in theatrical performances to portray different characters.
The actress wore several wigs to portray various roles in the play.
Wag
To sway or move rapidly from one side to another.
The branches wagged in the strong wind.
Wig
A customizable headpiece for changing one's appearance.
For the gala, she wore an elaborate wig styled in an 18th-century fashion.
Wag
Informally, to scold or reprimand someone.
The teacher wagged her finger at the class, signaling them to be quiet.
Wig
An accessory worn for ceremonial or traditional occasions.
Judges in British courts traditionally wear wigs.
Wag
To oscillate, flutter, or move up and down.
The flag wagged at half-mast.
Wig
An item used to conceal hair loss or for fashion purposes.
He chose a wig that closely matched his natural hair color.
Wag
A movement indicating emotional states in animals, particularly pets.
You can tell he's happy because he wags his tail whenever you speak to him.
Wig
A wig is a head or hair accessory made from human hair, animal hair, or synthetic fiber. The word wig is short for periwig, which makes its earliest known appearance in the English language in William Shakespeare's The Two Gentlemen of Verona.
Wag
(especially with reference to an animal's tail) move or cause to move rapidly to and fro
His tail began to wag
The dog went out, wagging its tail
Wig
An artificial covering of natural or synthetic hair worn on the head for personal adornment, as part of a costume, or to conceal baldness.
Wag
Play truant from (school).
Wig
To scold or censure.
Wag
A wife or girlfriend of a sports player, typically characterized as having a high media profile and a glamorous lifestyle.
Wig
A head of real or synthetic hair worn on the head to disguise baldness, for cultural or religious reasons, for fashion, or by actors to help them better resemble the character they are portraying.
Wag
To move briskly and repeatedly from side to side, to and fro, or up and down
The dog's tail wagged.
Wig
A bigwig
Wag
To move rapidly in talking. Used of the tongue.
Wig
An old seal.
Wag
(Archaic) To be on one's way; depart.
Wig
To put on a wig; to provide with a wig (especially of an actor etc.).
Wag
To move (a body part) rapidly from side to side or up and down, as in playfulness, agreement, or admonition
Wagged his finger at the giggling students.
Wig
To upbraid, reprimand.
Wag
The act or motion of wagging
A farewell wag of the hand.
Wig
To act in an extremely emotional way; to be overly excited, irritable, nervous, or fearful; behave erratically.
That guy must be high. Look how he's wigging.
Wag
A humorous or droll person; a wit.
Wig
To shoot in the head.
Wag
To swing from side to side, such as of an animal's tail, or someone's head, to express disagreement or disbelief.
Wig
A covering for the head, consisting of hair interwoven or united by a kind of network, either in imitation of the natural growth, or in abundant and flowing curls, worn to supply a deficiency of natural hair, or for ornament, or according to traditional usage, as a part of an official or professional dress, the latter especially in England by judges and barristers.
Wag
To play truant from school.
Wig
An old seal; - so called by fishermen.
Wag
(obsolete) To be in action or motion; to move; progress.
Wig
To censure or rebuke; to hold up to reprobation; to scold.
Wag
(obsolete) To go; to depart.
Wig
Hairpiece covering the head and made of real or synthetic hair
Wag
An oscillating movement.
The wag of my dog's tail expresses happiness.
Wig
British slang for a scolding
Wag
A witty person.
Wag
To move one way and the other with quick turns; to shake to and fro; to move vibratingly; to cause to vibrate, as a part of the body; as, to wag the head.
No discerner durst wag his tongue in censure.
Every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished, and wag his head.
Wag
To move one way and the other; to be shaken to and fro; to vibrate.
The resty sieve wagged ne'er the more.
Wag
To be in action or motion; to move; to get along; to progress; to stir.
"Thus we may see," quoth he, "how the world wags."
Wag
To go; to depart; to pack oft.
I will provoke him to 't, or let him wag.
Wag
The act of wagging; a shake; as, a wag of the head.
Wag
A man full of sport and humor; a ludicrous fellow; a humorist; a wit; a joker.
We wink at wags when they offend.
A counselor never pleaded without a piece of pack thread in his hand, which he used to twist about a finger all the while he was speaking; the wags used to call it the thread of his discourse.
Wag
A witty amusing person who makes jokes
Wag
Causing to move repeatedly from side to side
Wag
Move from side to side;
The happy dog wagged his tail
Common Curiosities
What does it mean when a dog wags its tail while lying down?
A dog wagging its tail while lying down might be expressing contentment or a relaxed state of happiness.
What is a wig?
A wig is a head covering made from real or synthetic hair used for various purposes, including cosmetic enhancement and concealment of hair loss.
Why do animals wag their tails?
Animals, particularly dogs, wag their tails as a form of communication, often expressing emotions like excitement or happiness.
Are there different types of wigs?
Yes, wigs vary by material (human, animal, or synthetic), construction (laced or monofilament), and style (full or partial).
What other animals wag their tails besides dogs?
Cats, foxes, and some other mammals also wag their tails, though the meanings can be different compared to dogs.
Can wigs look natural?
Yes, high-quality wigs made from natural hair can look very realistic and be styled just like natural hair.
How do you care for a wig?
Care depends on the wig type; human hair wigs require similar care to natural hair, while synthetic wigs need special products to maintain their fibers.
Is wagging always a sign of happiness in dogs?
Not always; dogs might also wag their tails when agitated, nervous, or feeling submissive.
Do synthetic wigs last as long as human hair wigs?
Typically, human hair wigs last longer than synthetic ones, especially with regular wear and proper maintenance.
Can wigs be worn daily?
Yes, wigs can be worn daily, and with proper care, they can be a durable solution for everyday hair styling.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
