What is the origin of the idiom "wild and woolly" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "wild and woolly" dates back to the American frontier era in the late 1800s when the western region of the United States was still largely undeveloped and inhabited by pioneers, outlaws, and Native American tribes. At that time, people in the western territories would often wear clothing made of wool and other natural materials that were not always well-maintained, giving them a rugged and unkempt appearance. The phrase "wild and woolly" became popularized during this time as a way to describe the rough and lawless nature of the western frontier.