big enchilada: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Colloquial, Humorous
Quick answer
What does “big enchilada” mean?
The most important or influential person in a group or organization.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The most important or influential person in a group or organization.
Can also refer to the most important thing, event, or objective in a given context. Often implies a position of authority and responsibility.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
This is predominantly an American idiom, derived from Mexican-American Spanish. It is understood but far less common in British English, where terms like 'top dog' or 'head honcho' might be used.
Connotations
In American usage, it is colorful and informal. In British usage, it may be perceived as an Americanism or even a quaint cultural reference.
Frequency
Very low frequency in British English; occasional in American English, primarily in informal/business contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “big enchilada” in a Sentence
[definite article + big enchilada] (e.g., *He's the big enchilada*)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used informally to refer to the CEO or the most senior decision-maker.
Academic
Rare to non-existent in formal academic writing.
Everyday
Used in informal conversation, often humorously, to refer to someone in charge (e.g., a parent, a team captain).
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “big enchilada”
- Using it as a countable noun without 'the' (e.g., *'He is a big enchilada'*). The standard form is *'the big enchilada'*.
- Using it in formal writing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is generally not offensive, but it is informal and can be slightly irreverent. Use with caution in very formal or respectful contexts.
No, it is inappropriate for formal writing. Use standard terms like 'the director', 'the CEO', or 'the head'.
No, it is primarily an American idiom. British speakers will likely understand it but rarely use it themselves.
It emerged in American English in the 1970s, likely as a humorous variation on older slang like 'big cheese', influenced by Mexican-American cuisine and culture.
The most important or influential person in a group or organization.
Big enchilada: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbɪɡ ˌen.tʃɪˈlɑː.də/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbɪɡ ˌen.tʃəˈlɑː.də/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the big enchilada”
- “the big cheese”
- “the head honcho”
- “the top dog”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a giant, steaming enchilada sitting in the boss's chair. The biggest food item = the biggest person in charge.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPORTANCE IS SIZE / THE HIERARCHY IS A FOOD CHAIN (where the biggest item is the most important).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'the big enchilada' typically refer to?