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toupeeOrigin of the word toupée

The word toupée has a twisted derivation. It ultimately comes from the prehistoric german word *topaz, which means ‘tuft of hair on top of the head,topknot’. the German word was imported into French and we had the word toup meaning ‘tuft of hair’. This ultimately gave way to the word toupée, which was imported into English.

The dictionary definitions for toupée are as follows:
1. A partial wig or hairpiece worn to cover a bald spot. (noun)
2. A curl or lock of hair worn during the 18th century as a topknot on a periwig. (noun)

Masters Tip to remember toupée:
Just remember the answer to the question, ‘what does a bald man need’?
A toupée.

Usage Examples for toupée:
1. Rebecca laughed in all companies at that officer, at his toupee (which he mounted on coming to Paris), at his waistband, at his false teeth, at his pretensions to be a lady- killer above all, and his absurd vanity in fancying every woman whom he came near was in love with him. Vanity Fair by Thackeray, William Makepeace
2. Intolerance is the “Do Not Touch” sign on something that cannot bear touching. We do not mind having our hair ruffled, but we will not tolerate any familiarity with the toupee which covers our baldness. -Eric Hoffer

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