fat cat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'fat cat' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a literal fat cat, to refer to someone who is wealthy and powerful, or to describe someone in politics who is taking advantage of their situation. For example: "I saw a fat cat lounging in one of the windows, looking out at the sunny day." "The fat cat in politics seemed to just get richer while the rest of the country struggled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Fat cat salaries – revealed.

The Guardian

Fat cat pay.

The Guardian

Second, name and shame fat cat salarymen.

The New York Times

I have an ugly, fat cat.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This is GPs getting the "fat cat" treatment.

The Guardian - Opinion

He's opening himself up to the fat cat label".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Fat-cat chance.

The New York Times

There's a fat-cat gap.

The New York Times - Magazine

Who are the fat-cat five?

The New York Times

They're fed up with grotesque fat-cat salaries too.

The Guardian - Opinion

The facile attacks on "fat-cat bankers" have to end.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fat cat" to describe a person, ensure the context makes it clear whether you intend the literal or figurative meaning. Add context to prevent ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "fat cat" in contexts where it could be misinterpreted as referring to an actual overweight cat when you mean a wealthy, influential person. Rephrase to clarify your intent if needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fat cat" functions primarily as a noun, often used attributively (e.g., "fat cat" bosses). It typically serves as a pejorative term for individuals perceived to be wealthy and powerful, especially those who exploit their position for personal gain. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

4%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fat cat" is a common and generally accepted term used to describe a wealthy, often politically connected, individual who is perceived to be taking advantage of their position. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a noun with negative connotations. Usage is most frequent in News & Media, highlighting its role in public discourse about wealth and power. While grammatically correct, be mindful of the term's pejorative nature and potential to cause offense. When writing, ensure that the context clearly indicates whether you mean the literal sense or are using it figuratively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wealthy individual

Focuses on the aspect of being rich, omitting the potential negative connotations.

affluent person

Similar to wealthy individual but emphasizes having a great deal of money.

privileged elite

Highlights the advantages and high social standing associated with wealth.

high roller

Suggests someone who spends large sums of money, often in a flamboyant way.

captain of industry

Refers to a powerful business leader, emphasizing their influence and control.

corporate titan

Similar to captain of industry, highlighting the scale and power of the business.

overweight feline

Describes a cat that is heavier than is healthy, focusing solely on the literal meaning.

obese cat

A more clinical term for an overweight cat.

plump cat

A gentler, less critical way to describe a cat that is somewhat overweight.

prosperous person

Emphasizes financial success and good fortune.

FAQs

How can I use "fat cat" in a sentence?

You can use "fat cat" to describe a wealthy person who benefits from a system, as in, "The "fat cat" politicians are out of touch with the needs of ordinary citizens." Or, literally, "Our family owns a "fat cat" who loves to sleep all day."

What is a synonym for "fat cat"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms such as "wealthy individual", "affluent person", or "privileged elite".

Is it offensive to call someone a "fat cat"?

Calling someone a "fat cat" can be considered offensive because it implies that they are greedy, out of touch, and unfairly benefiting from their wealth or position. It carries negative connotations of excess and privilege.

What's the origin of the term "fat cat"?

The term "fat cat" originated in the early 20th century in the United States to describe wealthy political donors. It has since broadened to refer to anyone perceived as profiting excessively from their position, particularly in politics or business.