big shot: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, often colloquial. Can be used playfully or pejoratively.
Quick answer
What does “big shot” mean?
An important, influential, or powerful person, often in a specific field or organization.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An important, influential, or powerful person, often in a specific field or organization.
A term used to describe someone who is (or acts as if they are) a VIP or high-ranking figure. Can be used sincerely to denote status, or ironically/sarcastically to mock pretentiousness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Both varieties use the term. The spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Slightly more likely to carry a sardonic or mocking tone in British usage, while American usage can sometimes be more matter-of-fact in business contexts.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English, but common in both.
Grammar
How to Use “big shot” in a Sentence
[be/act like/play] a big shotbig shot in [field/place]big shot from [place/organization]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “big shot” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He loves to big-shot it around the golf club.
- Stop big-shotting and just help us.
American English
- He's always trying to big-shot his way into meetings.
- She big-shots everyone with her new car.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; rarely used.)
American English
- (Not standard; rarely used.)
adjective
British English
- He has a very big-shot attitude since the merger.
- It was a big-shot deal for the small firm.
American English
- They threw a big-shot party for the investors.
- He made a big-shot entrance in a limo.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Informally refers to senior executives or key decision-makers. 'The big shots from New York are visiting the office.'
Academic
Rarely used in formal academic writing. Might appear in sociological texts discussing power structures or in informal speech.
Everyday
Common in conversation to refer to or mock someone in authority. 'He's acting like a big shot since he got promoted.'
Technical
Not a technical term.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “big shot”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Confusing it with 'big hit' (something very successful).
- Using it as a direct, respectful title (e.g., 'Hello, Mr. Big Shot').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends entirely on tone and context. It can be a neutral or slightly admiring description of someone's status, but it is often used sarcastically to imply someone is arrogant or self-important.
Yes, absolutely. While historically more associated with men, it is perfectly applicable to women (e.g., 'a big shot in tech'). The term is not gender-specific.
They are very close synonyms. 'Bigwig' is slightly more old-fashioned and might be considered more humorous. 'Big shot' feels more modern and can have a sharper, more critical edge.
It is highly informal and context-dependent. Among friends, it could be playful teasing. In a professional setting or with someone you don't know well, it would likely be seen as rude, disrespectful, or challenging their authority.
An important, influential, or powerful person, often in a specific field or organization.
Big shot is usually informal, often colloquial. can be used playfully or pejoratively. in register.
Big shot: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbɪɡ ˈʃɒt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbɪɡ ˈʃɑːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “big fish in a small pond (related concept)”
- “throw one's weight around (related behaviour)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a movie scene where an IMPORTANT person (a 'big' deal) fires a gun ('shot') to start a race, getting everyone's attention. The 'big shot' commands attention.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPORTANCE IS SIZE / POWER IS A WEAPON (the 'shot' implying force or impact).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'big shot' most likely be used PEJORATIVELY?