Fat Cats: Wealth, Politics, and Pompous People 🐱
Definition:
Fat Cats — A term originating around 1920 in America, initially referring to rich individuals making large political contributions. Over time, it extended to denote any wealthy person or an individual who has become lazy or complacent due to their wealth.
Related Terms:
- Deep Pockets: Individuals or entities with substantial financial resources.
- Moneybags: Someone who is exceptionally wealthy.
- Bigwig: An important person with a lot of influence.
- Richie Rich: Derived from the popular comic character, symbolizing very wealthy individuals.
- Plutocrat: Someone who derives power from their wealth.
Synonyms:
- Wealthy
- Affluent
- Opulent
- Prosperous
- Loaded
Antonyms:
- Poor
- Penniless
- Impoverished
- Destitute
Historical Context and Usage:
Once strictly tied to political contributions, ‘fat cat’ has come to carry broader connotations, including critiquing opulence or highlighting societal disparities in wealth. For instance, a 1949 review in the Saturday Review of Literature referred to “Hollywood celebrities, literary fat cats,” conveying a sense of grandiosity and laziness deriving from immense wealth. The term’s hilariously versatile nature allows for rich (pun intended) linguistic play.
Quotes about “Fat Cats”:
- “Rich folks only smile angry; fear mixed with disdain.” –Toni Morrison, Sula
- “I believe that every human mind feels pleasure in doing good to another.” –Thomas Jefferson, Revolutionary-charmer with a silky phrase.
- “Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.” –Epictetus, renowned stoic, soulful minimalist.
Inspiration:
Our monetary possessions should never tower over our human connections. Wealth can provide comfort, but let it also instill kindness. Don’t just be ’life-rich’, be ‘heart-rich’.
Proverbs:
- “A rich man’s bag is never closed.” (Russian Proverb, humorously noting the never-ending need for more by the wealthy.)
- “A rich man’s joke is always funny.” (English Proverb, pointing out how the wealthy are often surrounded by yes-men.)
- “The rich man plans for tomorrow, the poor man for today.” (Traditional Proverb hinting at the differing worries based on wealth.)
Suggested Literature/Movies:
- Books:
- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (Exploring the lives of wealthy individuals)
- Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki (Lessons in wealth and finance)
- Movies:
- The Wolf of Wall Street (An extravagant look at wealth and excess)
- Citizen Kane (A critique of wealth, power, and the American dream)
- Parasite (A dark comedy on class disparity and wealth)
Quizzes:
In this journey through linguistic luxury, let’s remember that our phrases, proverbs, and expressions are profound not merely for what they communicate but for what they remind us to value. Until we meet again in the realms of verbiage,
Keep your words weighty and your wallet light.
Yours in eloquence,
Liza Luxwords
