What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
wig
Example
She wore a blonde wig to the costume party. [wig: noun]
Example
He had to wear a wig after chemotherapy caused his hair to fall out. [wig: noun]
toupee
Example
He wore a toupee to cover his receding hairline. [toupee: noun]
Example
The actor's toupee fell off during the scene, causing laughter from the audience. [toupee: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wig is more commonly used than toupee in everyday language. Wig is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while toupee is less common and refers specifically to a hairpiece for men.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between wig and toupee?
Both wig and toupee are associated with formal occasions, such as theatrical performances or weddings. However, toupee is typically considered more formal and is often worn by men in professional settings.