pez gordo
/ˌpeθ ˈɡoɾdo/
In Spanish, the phrase 'big shot' is translated as pez gordo.
The term is used to refer to an important or influential person who has a lot of power in a particular group or organization.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, pez gordo translates to 'fat fish'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
pez gordo is an informal or colloquial expression.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the term peso pesado is used to describe someone who holds significant influence or power.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌpeθ ˈɡoɾdo/
Did you know?
- The English word 'gravity' and the Spanish word gordo actually share a common Latin ancestor, the word 'gurdus'.
- Although pez gordo refers to a person, the term is frequently used in Spanish crime novels and police reports to describe the 'big fish' or kingpin of a criminal organization.
- If you use the phrase pez gordo in a professional setting, you might sound unintentionally comical, as the term carries a strong sense of slang or 'street' vocabulary.
Examples in context
- El director de la empresa es una persona importante en la industria.The company's director is a big shot in the industry.
- Juan es una personalidad influyente en el ámbito de la música.Juan is a big shot in the music industry.
- Jorge es un pez gordo en la política local.Jorge is a big shot in local politics.
- Rosa es una pata negra en el mundo de la moda.Rosa is a big shot in the fashion industry.
- Carlos es una figura importante en el mundo del cine independiente.Carlos is a big shot in the independent film industry.
- Alicia es la que manda más en la empresa.Alicia is the big shot in the company.
- Roberto es considerado un peso pesado en el ámbito empresarial.Roberto is considered a big shot in the business world.
- Él cree que es un pez gordo en la empresa.He thinks he is a big shot in the company.
- Ese pez gordo decidió cambiar las reglas hoy.That big shot decided to change the rules today.
- No quiero ser un pez gordo, solo quiero trabajar.I don't want to be a big shot, I just want to work.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are discussing a new boss at work.
- AlejandroMira quién llegó, es el nuevo pez gordo.Look who arrived, it's the new big shot.
- SofíaParece que tiene mucho poder aquí.It seems like he has a lot of power here.
- AlejandroSí, él toma todas las decisiones importantes.Yes, he makes all the important decisions.
- SofíaEntonces debemos causar una buena impresión.Then we should make a good impression.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pez gordo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gordo, pez, pez gordo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
