Top 19 Slang For Big Fish – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to talking about someone who holds a position of power or influence, we often use the phrase “big fish.” But did you know there are a whole bunch of slang terms that people use to refer to these individuals? Our team has done the research and put together a list of the top slang words for big fish that will have you feeling like an insider in no time. So, whether you’re looking to expand your vocabulary or just want to impress your friends, this listicle is a must-read!

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1. Bigwig

This term is used to describe someone who holds a high position of power or authority. It can refer to a person in a company, organization, or any other field who has a significant impact and is well-respected.

For example, “The bigwig of the company made a major announcement today.”
In a political context, one might say, “The bigwigs of the party are meeting to discuss the upcoming election.”
A journalist might write, “The bigwig in the entertainment industry is known for discovering new talent.”

2. Whale

This slang term is often used to describe someone who has a lot of money or power. It can also refer to a person who spends a large amount of money on something, such as gambling or luxury items.

For instance, “He’s a whale in the real estate industry, owning multiple properties.”
In a casino setting, one might say, “The high-roller is known as the whale of the casino.”
A person discussing the stock market might mention, “Whales are often the ones who make big moves and influence the market.”

3. Heavyweight

This term is often used to describe someone who holds a significant amount of power or influence in a particular field or industry. It can refer to a person who is highly respected and has a strong impact on decisions or outcomes.

For example, “He’s a heavyweight in the technology sector, with numerous successful startups.”
In a political context, one might say, “The heavyweight politicians are leading the charge for policy change.”
A sports commentator might say, “The heavyweight boxer is known for his knockout punches.”

4. Big shot

This slang term is used to describe someone who holds a high position of power or influence. It can refer to a person in any field who is highly regarded and has a significant impact on others.

For instance, “She’s a big shot in the fashion industry, with her own clothing line.”
In a business setting, one might say, “The big shots of the company are making the final decisions.”
A person discussing Hollywood might mention, “The big shots in the film industry determine which movies get made.”

5. Top dog

This term is often used to describe someone who is at the top of a hierarchy or holds the highest position of power. It can refer to a person who is considered the best or most influential in a particular field or organization.

For example, “He’s the top dog in the music industry, with multiple chart-topping hits.”
In a sports context, one might say, “The top dog of the team leads by example.”
A person discussing a company might mention, “The top dog of the organization sets the overall direction and strategy.”

6. Big cheese

This term refers to someone who holds a position of power or influence. It is often used to describe someone who is highly respected or in a leadership role.

For example, in a business setting, someone might say, “The big cheese will be attending the meeting tomorrow.”
In a social context, a person might exclaim, “Look who just walked in, the big cheese himself!”
When discussing a political figure, one might comment, “The big cheese is making some controversial decisions.”

7. Big kahuna

This slang term is used to describe the most important or influential person in a particular context. It often implies a sense of authority or expertise.

For instance, in a surfing competition, the big kahuna would be the most skilled and experienced surfer.
In a group project, someone might say, “Let’s get input from the big kahuna before making any major decisions.”
When discussing a company, a person might mention, “The big kahuna of the industry just released a new product.”

8. Big fish in a small pond

This phrase is used to describe someone who is significant or influential in a small or insignificant context, but may not hold the same status in a larger or more competitive environment.

For example, in a small town, a successful business owner might be considered a big fish in a small pond.
In a niche hobby group, a person with extensive knowledge might be regarded as the big fish in a small pond.
When discussing a local sports team, a fan might say, “He’s a big fish in a small pond, but could he perform at a higher level?”

9. Big enchilada

This term is used to refer to the most significant or influential person or thing in a particular context. It often implies a sense of power or dominance.

For instance, in a company, the CEO might be referred to as the big enchilada.
In a family, the eldest sibling might be considered the big enchilada.
When discussing a political event, someone might say, “The big enchilada will be giving a speech tonight.”

10. Big gun

This phrase is used to describe someone who holds a position of authority or has significant influence. It often implies a sense of respect or fear.

For example, in a business meeting, the CEO might be referred to as the big gun.
In a group project, someone might say, “Let’s consult the big gun before making any major decisions.”
When discussing a political figure, a person might comment, “The big guns of the party are pushing for this policy change.”

11. Big fish in the market

This phrase refers to someone who holds a significant position or has a strong influence in a specific market or industry. It implies that the person is successful and well-known in their field.

For example, “He’s a big fish in the market of luxury cars, with his brand being recognized worldwide.”
In a discussion about technology companies, someone might say, “Apple is definitely the big fish in the market when it comes to smartphones.”
A journalist writing about the fashion industry might describe a designer as “one of the big fish in the market,“one of the big fish in the market, constantly setting trends and influencing other brands.”

12. Big fish in the field

This phrase refers to someone who is highly skilled or knowledgeable in a particular field and holds a position of influence or authority. It implies that the person is respected and recognized for their expertise.

For instance, “She’s a big fish in the field of neuroscience, having published numerous groundbreaking studies.”
In a conversation about professional sports, someone might say, “He’s considered a big fish in the field of basketball, with multiple MVP awards.”
A colleague might introduce a renowned professor as “one of the big fish in the field of economics,“one of the big fish in the field of economics, known for their groundbreaking theories.”

13. Big fish in the game

This phrase refers to someone who holds a significant position or has a strong influence in a particular game, industry, or competition. It implies that the person is successful, respected, and often considered a top player or competitor.

For example, “He’s a big fish in the game of poker, having won multiple championships and earning millions of dollars.”
In a discussion about the music industry, someone might say, “Taylor Swift is definitely a big fish in the game, with record-breaking sales and worldwide fame.”
A sports commentator might describe a star athlete as “one of the big fish in the game,“one of the big fish in the game, consistently dominating their sport and setting new records.”

14. Big fish in the city

This phrase refers to someone who holds a significant position or has a strong influence within a specific city or local community. It implies that the person is well-known, respected, and often considered a leader or influential figure.

For instance, “He’s a big fish in the city’s art scene, with his gallery showcasing renowned artists from around the world.”
In a conversation about local politics, someone might say, “She’s a big fish in the city council, advocating for important community initiatives.”
A resident might describe a prominent business owner as “one of the big fish in the city,“one of the big fish in the city, contributing to its economic growth and development.”

15. Big fish in the town

This phrase refers to someone who holds a significant position or has a strong influence within a small town or close-knit community. It implies that the person is well-known, respected, and often considered a leader or influential figure within their town.

For example, “She’s a big fish in the town’s education system, having served as the principal for over 20 years.”
In a discussion about local events, someone might say, “He’s the big fish in the town’s annual festival, organizing and coordinating all the activities.”
A resident might describe a long-time mayor as “one of the big fish in the town,“one of the big fish in the town, working tirelessly to improve the community and address its needs.”

16. Big fish in the circle

This phrase refers to someone who holds a position of power or influence within a specific social group or organization. The “circle” refers to the group of people or community that the individual is a part of.

For example, “He’s the big fish in the circle of entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley.”
In a discussion about a specific industry, someone might say, “She’s known as the big fish in the circle of fashion designers.”
A person might describe their boss as the “big fish in the circle” of their workplace.

17. Big fish in the group

This phrase is used to describe someone who holds a position of authority or influence within a particular group or organization. The “group” refers to the collective of individuals that the person is associated with.

For instance, “He’s the big fish in the group of musicians in our city.”
In a conversation about a sports team, someone might say, “She’s the big fish in the group of players on the basketball team.”
A person might say, “I’m just a small fish in the group, but he’s the big fish.”

18. Big fish in the club

This phrase is used to describe someone who is well-known or respected within a specific club or social setting. The “club” refers to the establishment or community that the individual is a part of.

For example, “He’s the big fish in the club of DJs in this city.”
In a discussion about a nightlife scene, someone might say, “She’s the big fish in the club of party promoters.”
A person might boast, “I’m a regular at that club, and I know all the big fish.”

19. Big fish in the team

This phrase refers to someone who holds a significant role or position of influence within a particular team or organization. The “team” refers to the group of individuals working together towards a common goal.

For instance, “He’s the big fish in the team of developers at the tech company.”
In a conversation about a sports team, someone might say, “She’s the big fish in the team of soccer players.”
A person might say, “He’s the coach’s favorite, so he’s the big fish in the team.”