Fat cat
Meaning
A wealthy, privileged, and often powerful person perceived as having gained excessive profits or influence, especially at the expense of others.
Origin
The term "fat cat" burst into American political lexicon in the late 1920s, popularized by journalist Frank R. Kent. Writing for The Baltimore Sun in 1928, Kent used the vivid imagery to describe wealthy individuals who contributed generously to political campaigns, expecting favors and influence in return. The phrase painted a picture of someone overfed and complacent, enjoying the spoils of power without working for it. It quickly became a biting criticism, capturing public resentment towards those seen as unfairly profiting from the system, and has remained a potent symbol of corporate greed and political corruption ever since.
Examples
- The CEO was widely seen as a fat cat, earning millions while simultaneously announcing mass layoffs.
- Critics argued that the new tax cuts primarily benefited the financial fat cats on Wall Street.