A Fat Cat – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever heard someone refer to a CEO, politician, or business owner as a fat cat? In English, this informal (and often critical) idiom describes a rich, powerful person—usually one who uses their wealth or influence in selfish or unfair ways. It’s not about their weight; it’s about privilege, greed, or excess.
What Does “A Fat Cat” Mean?
“A fat cat” is a slang term for a wealthy, influential person—especially someone in business or politics—who lives in luxury while others struggle. Think of a well-fed house cat lounging while mice scramble to survive. The phrase isn’t literal; it’s a vivid, often disapproving way to say, “They’re rich and comfortable—maybe too comfortable.”
When to Use It
Use this phrase in casual or critical conversations—like political debates, news discussions, or social commentary—when talking about inequality, corporate greed, or unfair power. It’s common in opinion pieces, protests, or informal chats about money and privilege. This idiom is informal and can sound negative, so avoid using it in polite or professional settings.
Example Sentences
- The tax cuts mostly helped the fat cats on Wall Street—not ordinary workers.
- He’s not a public servant; he’s just another fat cat lining his own pockets.
- Those fat cats get bonuses while laying off thousands of employees.
- Don’t act like a fat cat—remember where you came from.
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “Did you see the CEO’s $10 million bonus?”
Jamie: “Classic fat cat behavior—while the team hasn’t had a raise in three years.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t use “fat cat” just to describe anyone who’s rich or successful. It implies criticism—suggesting greed, laziness, or exploitation—not just wealth. Also, never use it to describe someone’s actual body size; it’s purely metaphorical.
❌ Don’t say: “My neighbor drives a nice car—he’s such a fat cat.” (Not enough context for criticism.)
✅ Do say: “The company profits doubled, but workers got nothing—those fat cats only care about themselves.”
Practice Tip
Listen to news or opinion shows discussing economic inequality—you’ll often hear “fat cat” used to describe powerful elites. Notice the tone: it’s almost always critical, not admiring.
Final Note
Now you know what “a fat cat” means—and how it’s used to question power and privilege in English. While it’s a colorful phrase, use it carefully: it carries strong judgment. Keep learning, and you’ll understand not just the words people say, but the attitudes behind them.