fat cat crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the crossword clue "fat cat", you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, clear explanations, and helpful tips to get you past that challenging spot and improve your solving skills.
Solutions for "fat cat crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
MOGUL: A powerful or influential person, often in business or media.
6 Letters
TYCOON: A very wealthy and powerful businessperson or industrialist.
BIGWIG: An important or influential person, usually in an organization or field.
More About "fat cat crossword"
The term "fat cat" is an idiomatic expression that commonly appears in crosswords due to its distinct meaning and the variety of synonyms it evokes. Originating in American English in the early 20th century, it typically refers to a wealthy and powerful person, especially one who is perceived to have gained their wealth or power unfairly, or who enjoys excessive privilege. In many contexts, it carries a derogatory connotation, implying greed or corruption.
When "fat cat" shows up in a crossword, setters are usually looking for a word that signifies a person of great influence or affluence. The range of possible answers can vary greatly in length, from shorter words like MOGUL to longer, more formal terms such as PLUTOCRAT (though we've focused on the most common for this clue). Understanding the nuances of this phrase can often unlock not just this clue, but also similar ones in future puzzles.
Beyond its literal meaning, "fat cat" often plays on common societal perceptions of wealth and power. Crossword puzzles frequently tap into such well-known cultural references and idiomatic expressions, making them a rich source of vocabulary challenges. Remembering that these clues often seek synonyms that denote power, influence, or significant wealth will serve you well.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider synonyms: For clues like "fat cat," think broadly about words that convey wealth, power, or influence (e.g., magnate, baron, financier).
- Check letter count: Always use the given number of letters to narrow down possibilities. If you have "6 letters," MOGUL is out, but TYCOON or BIGWIG are in.
- Look at surrounding letters: Once you've filled in a few intersecting letters, they can often reveal the correct answer even if you're unsure.
- Think about context: Is the puzzle themed? Is it a quick daily puzzle or a more complex cryptic one? The style might hint at the type of answer needed.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'fat cat' mean in a general sense?
'Fat cat' is an informal, often derogatory term referring to a wealthy and powerful person, especially one who benefits excessively from the economic or political system.
Why is 'fat cat' a common crossword clue?
It's common because it has several synonyms of varying lengths (e.g., TYCOON, MOGUL, BIGWIG), allowing setters flexibility. It also refers to a recognizable concept with a distinctive, informal phrasing.
Are there other phrases similar to 'fat cat' in crosswords?
Yes, clues like 'top dog,' 'big cheese,' 'kingpin,' or 'power broker' often point to similar answers related to influential or wealthy individuals, providing a good mental association for solvers.