- An important, influential, or powerful person, especially within an organization; the boss or leader.
Explanation
Origin
- The origin is uncertain, likely early 20th century American slang.
- One theory suggests it relates to the large wheels of cheese displayed at fairs or shops, implying substance and importance. Being the cheese meant being the best or main thing.
- Another possibility links it to the Persian or Urdu word chiz, meaning thing, used in British India as the real chiz to mean the genuine article or the important thing. This may have morphed into cheese.
- Regardless, it implies importance and status.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Top banana (Similar, slightly dated)
- Mr. Big / Ms. Big
- The Man (Can imply the ultimate authority, sometimes anti-establishment)
- Shot caller (Urban slang, person in charge)
Formal:
- Leader
- Director
- Principal figure
- Key person
- Person in charge
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to semi-formal.
- It's colloquial and can sometimes sound slightly disrespectful or sarcastic depending on tone and context, so be mindful when using it in professional settings, especially when referring to superiors directly.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Figurative. Doesn't relate to literal cheese. Focus on the important person meaning.
Examples
- He thinks he's the big cheese around here just because he got promoted.
- I need to talk to the big cheese to get this approved.
- She's the big cheese in the marketing department.
Dialogue
Employee A: I have an idea for improving the workflow, but my supervisor isn't listening.
Employee B: Maybe you should try talking to Ms. Davidson? She's the big cheese in this division. If she likes it, it'll happen.
Employee A: Good idea, but I'm a bit intimidated.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Got to meet the big cheese of the company today at the town hall. Seemed approachable! #worklife
- LinkedIn Comment: Congrats on the promotion! You're the big cheese now! 😉
- Forum Post: Who's the big cheese I need to contact about sponsorship for this event?
Response Patterns
- Oh, really? (Asking for confirmation of their importance)
- Who's that? (If the person isn't known)
- Yeah, he/she runs the whole show. (Affirming their importance)
- A knowing nod or eye-roll if used sarcastically.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- Asking about the person's specific role or influence.
- Discussing how to approach or interact with this important person.
- Commenting on their power or status.
Conversation Starter
- No. Used to refer to someone specific within a context.
Intonation
- Emphasis on BIG CHEESE.
- Can be said neutrally, admiringly, sarcastically (implying someone *thinks* they're important), or slightly dismissively.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood, but feels a bit dated (peaking mid-20th century). Younger people might use boss, head honcho, or other terms more often.
Regional Variations
- Primarily American English in origin, but understood in other English-speaking regions.