big chief: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, slightly dated, often humorous or ironic
Quick answer
What does “big chief” mean?
The leader or person in the highest position of authority within a group, organization, or tribe.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The leader or person in the highest position of authority within a group, organization, or tribe.
A term used to refer to the boss or most important person, often in a slightly informal, jocular, or ironic way. It can imply respect, familiarity, or gentle mockery depending on context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More commonly used in American English, often with a folksy or colloquial feel. In British English, it's less frequent and can sound like an Americanism.
Connotations
In the US, it may have a slightly broader, more casual application. In the UK, it can sound deliberately colorful or quaint.
Frequency
Low frequency in both varieties, but higher in US English, particularly in certain regional dialects or in historical/cowboy contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “big chief” in a Sentence
[Determiner] + big chief + [of/at + Organization]Direct address: 'Hey, big chief!'Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “big chief” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- He's got a very big-chief attitude since the promotion.
American English
- She walked in with a big-chief swagger.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Informal reference to the CEO or senior manager, e.g., 'The big chief is flying in from headquarters tomorrow.'
Academic
Virtually never used in formal academic writing.
Everyday
Used humorously to refer to someone in charge at home, work, or in a social group, e.g., 'I'll have to check with the big chief—my wife.'
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “big chief”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “big chief”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “big chief”
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Capitalising it as a title (e.g., 'Big Chief') when not used as a direct name.
- Overusing it, making speech sound affected.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When used figuratively for a boss, it is generally not offensive but is informal. However, its use in relation to actual Indigenous American peoples requires great cultural sensitivity and context, and it is best avoided in that context by non-members.
Yes, though it is less common. The phrase is gender-neutral in its figurative modern usage, e.g., 'She's the big chief around here.'
They are very close synonyms. 'Head honcho' is slightly more modern and American, while 'big chief' can sound more folksy or dated.
No. It is too informal and colloquial for written business communication. Use standard terms like 'manager', 'director', or 'CEO' instead.
The leader or person in the highest position of authority within a group, organization, or tribe.
Big chief is usually informal, slightly dated, often humorous or ironic in register.
Big chief: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbɪɡ ˈtʃiːf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbɪɡ ˈtʃiːf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Too many chiefs and not enough Indians (now considered offensive)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a very LARGE (big) leader wearing a feathered headdress (chief). The image of a 'big chief' helps remember it means the most important person.
Conceptual Metaphor
ORGANIZATION IS A TRIBE (The leader of an organization is metaphorically the chief of a tribe.)
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'big chief' most likely be used appropriately?