tarzan
C1 (Low frequency, cultural reference)Informal, often humorous or journalistic.
Definition
Meaning
The name of a fictional character created by Edgar Rice Burroughs, a man raised by apes in the African jungle, characterized by immense strength, agility, and a distinctive yell.
A person who is exceptionally strong, athletic, agile, or who lives/survives in a wild or primitive manner; someone who moves through an environment (e.g., trees, gym equipment) with great physical prowess.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Used primarily as a nickname or a descriptive label, not as a common noun. It evokes specific imagery of jungle life, vine-swinging, and primal strength. The character is a significant part of 20th-century Western pop culture.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical, deriving from the same cultural source. The character's name is universally recognised.
Connotations
Connotations are the same: physical prowess, wildness, lack of sophistication.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, used primarily in set phrases or as a nickname.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
be + a/the + Tarzan (of) [place/domain]verb (swing, climb, yell) + like + TarzanVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Tarzan economics (humorous, risky/predatory economic policy)”
- “Do a Tarzan (to swing on something, to act boldly/primally)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in informal nicknames ('the Tarzan of mergers and acquisitions') for an aggressive dealmaker.
Academic
Virtually never used, except in cultural or film studies discussing the archetype.
Everyday
Informal, for describing someone very athletic or who climbs/swings on things ('My little nephew is a proper Tarzan on the playground').
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He tried to tarzan his way across the gap using a length of rope.
- Stop tarzaning about on the furniture!
American English
- He Tarzaned across the monkey bars with ease.
- The kids were Tarzaning through the trees.
adverb
British English
- He swung Tarzan-style from one branch to another.
American English
- He moved Tarzan-fast through the obstacle course.
adjective
British English
- He gave a rather Tarzan-like yell as he jumped into the pool.
- His Tarzan-esque build was impressive.
American English
- That was a totally Tarzan move, swinging from that pipe.
- He has a kind of Tarzan physique.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He can climb a tree like Tarzan.
- Tarzan lives in the jungle.
- The boy in the park swings on the ropes like Tarzan.
- I watched an old film about Tarzan last night.
- After months in the gym, he's built like Tarzan, but he's still shy.
- The politician's 'Tarzan economics' speech was criticised for being too simplistic and brutal.
- The veteran rock climber moved up the cliff face with a Tarzan-like grace that belied his age.
- His management style has been described as the 'Tarzan of Silicon Valley' – aggressive, instinctive, and dominating.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a man TARring up the jungle with his wild ZANiness. TAR-ZAN.
Conceptual Metaphor
PHYSICAL STRENGTH AND WILDNESS IS TARZAN; CLUMSY/PRIMAL BEHAVIOUR IS ACTING LIKE TARZAN.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not a common noun for a strong man (like 'богатырь'). It's a specific cultural reference. Do not use as a direct translation for 'качок' (muscleman).
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a countable noun ('He is a tarzan'). Should be capitalised: 'He is a Tarzan.'
- Overusing it to mean any strong person without the connotation of agility or wildness.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'Tarzan' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when referring to the character or using the name as a label for a person ('He's a real Tarzan'), it is a proper noun and should be capitalised. When used verbally ('to tarzan about'), it is often lowercased.
It can be either. It compliments physical strength and agility but can imply a lack of sophistication, intelligence, or social grace. Context and tone are crucial.
It is the distinctive, ululating victory cry associated with the character in films, created by actor Johnny Weissmuller and often imitated. It signifies triumph or a call.
It is very rare and would be highly marked. The female equivalent is 'Jane' (Tarzan's companion). A woman might be described as 'Tarzan-like' in terms of physique or agility, but 'a female Tarzan' sounds awkward.