Exploring the Mysterious Phrases: Put the Bump on and Get Under Someone’s Wig

Introduction

Exploring the vast and often enigmatic world of slang can be a fascinating journey, especially when it comes to phrases with double meanings or those that might sound like 18th-century gibberish. In this article, we delve into the mysteries of two such phrases: 'put the bump on' and 'get under someone’s wig.' These expressions, while rarely used in modern English, can offer a glimpse into the colorful language of a bygone era or perhaps the intriguing lexicon of a British criminal underworld.

What Do These Two Expressions Mean in English?

Both 'put the bump on' and 'get under someone’s wig' are roundabout ways of delivering an insult. Instead of using harsh or direct language, speakers employing these phrases are more likely to be subtle and perhaps even a bit cheeky in their delivery.

To Put the Bump on

There are numerous interpretations of such an expression:

Assuming criminal connotations: Some believe 'put the bump on' refers to hiring a hitman. In this context, it suggests a request to eliminate someone. However, it's important to stress this is speculation and not a widely recognized phrase. Exploring drug-related context: Another interpretation could involve snorting drugs. For example, "to have a bump" means to snort a small amount of cocaine, often called a 'bump' or 'line.' Following this interpretation, 'put the bump on' could mean to arrange for someone to have a hit of drugs. Direct interpolation: A less violent but equally roundabout way to express the idea might be to arrange or plan something for someone, often in a negative light. This could involve setting up a situation where someone might be at a disadvantage or in trouble.

Despite the intriguing potential of these interpretations, their actual usage is not widely documented or recognized.

To Get Under Someone’s Wig

The phrase 'get under someone’s wig' is slightly more familiar and could be more easily understood:

Modern usage equivalent: The phrase 'to get under someone’s skin' is a common expression that means to annoy someone or to make someone uncomfortable. For example, “He wouldn’t stop talking about his ex-wife and that really got under my skin.” 18th-century interpretation: In this era, wigs were commonly worn. 'Get under someone’s wig' could metaphorically mean to cause disturbance or annoyance, much like something that bugs you or agitates you.

This phrase is more straightforward than 'put the bump on' and has a clear and consistent meaning across contexts.

Where Do These Phrases Fit in Today's Language?

Both these phrases sound like they belong to a bygone era, a time when wigs were common, and the criminal underworld might have used specific jargon. However, in modern English, they are not commonly used, and their exact meanings remain subject to interpretation.

In the United States, especially, these phrases appear to be virtually unknown. Any attempt to guess their meanings based on current slang or idioms can be challenging, given the vast array of meanings for words like 'bump' in different contexts.

Conclusion

The phrases 'put the bump on' and 'get under someone’s wig' represent a unique blend of historical and potential criminal contexts. They showcase the rich and complex nature of slang, where language can evolve in unexpected ways, and conjectures can range from the humorous to the speculative.

Whether these expressions are used in a criminal context or are simply misunderstood remnants of past eras, they highlight the fascinating and ever-changing nature of language. So, the next time you come across these phrases, remember, they might be more than just a puzzle— they could be a window into a long-gone linguistic universe.