tiger market: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal/Financial journalism
Quick answer
What does “tiger market” mean?
A stock market characterized by strong, rapid growth and aggressive, powerful performance, likened to the qualities of a tiger.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A stock market characterized by strong, rapid growth and aggressive, powerful performance, likened to the qualities of a tiger.
Refers to a bull market with particularly aggressive, energetic, and powerful growth, often implying a dynamic, fast-moving economic environment in a specific region (e.g., an Asian 'tiger economy').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally understood in both financial lexicons, but potentially more frequently encountered in UK/international coverage of Asian economies.
Connotations
In both varieties, connotes aggressive, high-growth potential, but can also imply higher risk and volatility.
Frequency
Low-frequency, specialised term in both varieties; slightly more established in international finance/business publications.
Grammar
How to Use “tiger market” in a Sentence
[The/Region X's] tiger market [verb: roared, surged, cooled]Investors are [verb: bullish on, flocking to, cautious of] the tiger market.Analysts predict a tiger market in [noun: technology, renewable energy].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tiger market” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The tech sector is currently tiger-marketing, with valuations leaping weekly.
- After the reforms, the economy began to tiger-market.
American English
- The biotech industry is tiger-marketing right now, attracting huge venture capital.
- Their stock has been tiger-marketing for the past quarter.
adverb
British English
- The shares performed tiger-marketly, doubling in just months.
- The economy is growing tiger-marketly, outpacing all forecasts.
American English
- Their portfolio has been increasing tiger-marketly.
- Start-up funding is flowing in tiger-marketly.
adjective
British English
- They made fortunes during the tiger-market years of the 1990s.
- Investors seek that tiger-market energy in emerging economies.
American English
- We're in a tiger-market phase for electric vehicles.
- The fund specializes in tiger-market stocks.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Common in financial reports, investment analysis, and economic journalism to describe rapidly expanding markets, especially in Southeast Asia.
Academic
Used in economics and finance papers discussing high-growth economic models, particularly the East Asian development model.
Everyday
Rare in everyday conversation; used mainly by financially literate individuals discussing investments.
Technical
A metaphorical descriptor in financial analysis, not a precise technical term like 'bull/bear'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tiger market”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tiger market”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tiger market”
- Using it to describe any strong market (it implies exceptional, animalistic energy).
- Confusing it with 'bear market'.
- Using 'tiger' as an adjective for the market incorrectly (e.g., 'The market was very tiger' – incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'bull market' denotes a general period of rising prices. A 'tiger market' is a more vivid metaphor for an exceptionally aggressive, fast-paced, and powerful bull market, often with regional connotations (e.g., Asia).
No, it is a journalistic and metaphorical term, not a formal technical classification like 'bull' or 'bear' market. It is used for descriptive emphasis.
While it can theoretically describe any rapidly growing market, it is most historically and commonly associated with the high-growth economies of East and Southeast Asia (the 'Asian Tigers').
Often, yes. The connotations of explosive growth and animalistic energy frequently suggest associated volatility and potential for sharp corrections, implying higher risk alongside higher potential reward.
A stock market characterized by strong, rapid growth and aggressive, powerful performance, likened to the qualities of a tiger.
Tiger market is usually formal/financial journalism in register.
Tiger market: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtaɪ.ɡə ˈmɑː.kɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtaɪ.ɡɚ ˈmɑːr.kɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a tiger's powerful, fast leap. A 'tiger market' makes powerful, fast leaps in stock prices.
Conceptual Metaphor
FINANCIAL MARKETS ARE WILD ANIMALS / FINANCIAL GROWTH IS FORCEFUL, PREDATORY MOVEMENT.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST synonym for 'tiger market' in a financial context?