big white chief

Also found in: Dictionary, Encyclopedia.

big white chief

An important, successful, or influential person. The phrase is usually used humorously, but is potentially offensive due to its likely origin as a pseudo-Native American term. Jacob thinks he's a big white chief now that he's been promoted to assistant manager. I'm the big white chief around here, so you have to do what I say.

big white chief

a person in authority. humorous

This expression supposedly represents Native American speech, and also occurs as great white chief .

1971 Roger Busby Deadlock You'd think he was the bloody big white chief instead of an OB technician.