wild-and-woolly

[ wahyld-n-wool-ee ]

adjective

1. unrestrained; lawless:

   a wild-and-woolly frontier town.

Word History and Origins

Origin of wild-and-woolly¹

First recorded in 1885–90; perhaps originally referring to range-bred cattle

Example Sentences

He was anxious to meet real wild-and-woolly-west cowboys of the old-time style; he didn't fear the worst of 'em.

From Project Gutenberg

I shall certainly inspect your domesticated wild-and-woolly retreat.

From Project Gutenberg