Who is the "Big Kahuna" in your life? The history of 10 iconic nicknames

When we look at how English speakers describe the people in charge, we find a colorful catalog of metaphors. Instead of using formal titles like "master" or "director", we have spent centuries inventing funny nicknames to describe the folks at the top. Many of these terms have fascinating histories. Some started on the stage, others in bowling alleys, and some in the courts of the 18th century. Here are 10 of the most famous nicknames used to refer to important people, along with the surprising stories of how they entered our vocabulary.

If you are the "top banana", you are the undisputed leader of an organization. The expression comes straight from the world of American burlesque and vaudeville of the early 20th century.

Comedy acts of the era often featured three performers. The lead comedian, the one who got the spotlight and the biggest laughs, was called the "top banana". The supporting comics were relegated to "second banana" and "third banana". Why a banana? The lead comic’s routine often involved a prop, and in many popular acts, a literal banana was handed over as a reward after a successful punch line.

Today, we associate "kingpin" with the leader of a cartel or a criminal enterprise. However, its origins are associated with sports. The term comes from the game of ninepins (an ancestor of modern bowling), dating back to the early 1800s.

The "kingpin" was the tallest, most central pin in the setup. If you managed to hit the kingpin right, it would knock down all the other pins, securing a perfect game. Because this single pin controlled the fate of all the others, the word naturally entered the English language to describe any highly influential person whose actions control an entire group.

We use "boss" so casually today that it hardly feels like slang, but its rise in American English was actually an act of political rebellion. "Boss" comes from the Dutch word baas, meaning "master".

In the 17th and 18th centuries, Dutch colonists settled in what is now New York. English-speaking workers adopted the word baas as a deliberate alternative to the traditional "master". In a young, democratic America, "master" felt far too servile and feudal. "Boss" allowed workers to acknowledge who was in charge without compromising their personal sense of pride.

When you want to describe the absolute highest authority in a hierarchy, you might call them the "big enchilada". While the culinary term "enchilada" is centuries old, using it to describe a powerful person is a mid-20th-century American political phenomenon.

The term entered the national consciousness during the 1973 Watergate scandal. In secretly recorded White House tapes, John Ehrlichman, an advisor to President Richard Nixon, was heard referring to former Attorney General John Mitchell as "the big enchilada". He meant that Mitchell was the key player, the main target, and the man who held all the cards. The phrase caught on instantly in the media and remained a popular way to describe a dominant leader.

If someone is referred to as the "Big Kahuna", they are the ultimate boss or the expert whose opinion carries the most weight. This term is borrowed directly from the Hawaiian language.

In traditional Hawaiian culture, a kahuna is a respected expert, priest, healer, or master craftsman. When Hawaii became a global surfing destination in the mid-20th century, the term drifted into surf slang. Legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku was often called the "Big Kahuna". By the late 1950s and 60s, Hollywood surf movies exported "Big Kahuna" to the mainland, where it lost its spiritual meaning and became a nickname for any big boss.

In the world of politics and media, calling someone "Bigfoot" has absolutely nothing to do with searching for a mythical creature in the Pacific Northwest. This modern slang originated in American journalism of the late 1970s.

When a high-profile news story breaks in a small town, national news networks will often fly in their most famous journalists. These prominent reporters trump over the local journalists who had been covering the story first, taking over the prime airtime and top billing. Because they leave a huge footprint wherever they go, frustrated local reporters began calling these elite correspondents "Bigfoots".

Calling someone a "bigwig" is one of our oldest insults for a person who thinks they are incredibly important, and it has roots in historical fashion. The expression dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries, when powdered wigs (periwigs) were the prime style for wealthy people.

Wigs were incredibly expensive to buy and maintain. Naturally, the wealthier and more powerful a person was, the larger and more elaborate their wig would be. Bishops, judges, and aristocrats wore towering mounds of powdered hair on their heads. So, the working-class began referring to these elites as "bigwigs". Although the fashion died out, the insult survived.

To be a "kingfish" is to be an influential, often charismatic leader who dominates a local area or organization. Though the name originally refers to a predatory marine fish, it became a political nickname in the 1930s.

The term is tied to Huey P. Long, the powerful and controversial Governor and Senator of Louisiana. Long adopted the nickname "The Kingfish" himself, taking it from a character on the popular radio show Amos 'n' Andy. Long used the moniker to project a heroic persona to his supporters, becoming a clever tool of political branding.

A "big shot" is someone wealthy and influential. This expression became popular in the United States during the Prohibition era of the 1920s.

The term "big shot" was associated with gang violence. Mobsters who controlled the illegal alcohol trade were the "big shots", meaning they were the ones calling the shots and firing the weapons. Over time, the violent side of the term softened, leaving us with a playful way to describe anyone who holds a ton of influence.

If you are the "top dog", you are the winner, the leader. This idiom can be traced back to 19th-century sports.

In competitive arenas, the competitor that ended up on top of their opponent at the end of a match was crowned the "top dog". The loser, then, was the "underdog". The contrast between these two roles resonated so deeply with the public that both terms migrated into the English language to describe the winners and losers of life, business, and politics.

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The 10 Most Charming Town Squares in Europe to Visit

Image: Jacek Kadaj

No matter where you travel, town squares are the first places you should visit. Often considered the beating heart of a city, these piazzas are responsible for bringing together social life. Festivals, markets, political rallies, and other important events take place in town squares. Since the history of Europe is particularly rich, it’s fascinating to learn about its public spaces, which are sources of knowledge, culture, and entertainment even today. If you are interested in the hidden gems of the most significant cities of the Old Continent, join us to discover 10 dreamy European town squares worth visiting.

Image: Ljubomir Žarković

Piazza San Marco, located in the center of Venice, is the most important public square in the city. It is considered one of the most beautiful squares in the world—so much so that it’s said Napoleon Bonaparte once described it as "the drawing room of Europe."

Its construction began in the ninth century, and it is trapezoid-shaped. Situated in the lowest area of Venice, it is easily flooded during acqua alta ("high water"). The square is dedicated to the evangelist Mark, the patron saint of Venice—hence the name—and houses some of the most impressive buildings in the city, such as the Doge's Palace, the Basilica, and the Bell Tower of St. Mark.

Image: charlemagne

Hősök tere, which translates into English as "Heroes' Square," is one of the most important historical and cultural sites in Budapest. Its construction began in 1896 to celebrate the millennium of the foundation of the Hungarian state. This landmark features 7 equestrian statues of Magyar chieftains who played a decisive role in the country's history.

These sculptures, in turn, are crowned by an impressive Corinthian column 118 feet high, and topped by the Archangel Gabriel, who raises the Holy Crown and the double cross of Christianity. This sculptural composition, also known as the Millennium Monument, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002.

Image: Juan Di Nella

One of the most beautiful and popular places in Bordeaux is the Place de la Bourse ("Stock Exchange Square"), both for its historical and architectural significance. Framed by majestic facades, the former royal square was built between 1730 and 1775, following the design of one of the most renowned architects of the time, Ange-Jacques Gabriel.

In addition to being surrounded by important buildings, such as the town hall, the Place de la Bourse features the Miroir d'eau ("mirror of water"), a favorite spot for both tourists and locals alike. Listed as a contemporary world heritage site, this spectacular piece alternates extraordinary mirror and fog effects, which no one can resist taking pictures of.

Image: Hanlin Sun

Many argue that Grote Markt ("Big Market" in English) is one of the most beautiful squares in the world. No wonder! The ornamental charm of the buildings, along with its paving covered by the typical Brussels cobblestones, makes it a unique place. Need more evidence? In 1998, UNESCO designated Grote Markt as a World Heritage Site.

With Gothic, Baroque, Neo-gothic, and Neoclassical designs, the walls of this square, located in the center of the Belgian capital, conceal a lot of history. Its construction began in the 11th century and its strategic location soon turned it into an important trading point. In the 17th century, during the Nine Years' War, the square was partially destroyed. In the following years, the facades were rebuilt, and since then it has been carefully protected due to its high heritage value.

Image: Joan Oger

"Gentlemen, I knew this was beautiful, but not this much." This is what King Alfonso XIII allegedly said when he visited the Plaza de España ("Spain Square," in English) during its construction. In 1929, the government commissioned a national pavilion as a symbol of the ties between Spain, its former colonies, and Portugal. That’s why the building represents, with its curved shape, the country's embrace of its former American territories.

Spanning more than 490,000 sq ft, this plaza in Seville is full of curiosities and symbolism, such as historical scenes, maps, and regional coats of arms. But probably the most intriguing fact about Plaza de España is that it was declared a Treasure of European Film Culture and has been a film set for mythical movies such as Lawrence of Arabia and Star Wars.

Image: Daniel Seßler

Ever since Henry the Lion founded the city in 1158, Marienplatz has been the center and soul of Munich. It has been the site of important public events and festivities, from tournaments and markets to executions. Today, it is surrounded by important buildings such as the Old and New Town Halls.

Originally, the square was called Schrannenplatz ("Grain Market square") but was renamed Marienplatz ("St. Mary's square") after a monument dedicated to the Virgin Mary was erected in 1638 to celebrate the end of Swedish occupation.

Image: Frank Nürnberger

Located in the historic and commercial center of Lisbon and open to the Tagus River, Praça do Comércio ("Commerce Square") is one of the most important symbols of the Portuguese capital. It was formerly called Terreiro do Paço ("Palace Yard"), since this is where the Royal Palace used to be.

After the terrible earthquake of 1755, the Marquis of Pombal decided to rebuild the square in the shape of a "U," with three large arcaded buildings that now house government agencies, the main tourist office, and some restaurants and cafes, including the Martinho da Arcada. This bar is the oldest in the city—founded in 1782—and was once frequented by prominent intellectuals, such as the famous Portuguese author Fernando Pessoa.

Image: Lucas Albuquerque

Rynek Główny ("Main Market" in English), built in 1257, is the heart of Cracovia and holds an important historical, cultural, and social significance. Surrounded by historic townhouses, churches, and palaces, it is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe and is the main meeting point for locals and tourists.

Perhaps its most outstanding attractions are its traditional carriages, flower stalls, and pigeons, which, according to the legend, are knights turned into birds. It is also delightful to visit this square before Christmas or Easter when traditional markets are held in celebration of Rynek Główny’s commercial past.

Image: Ilya Orehov

Raekoja Plats, or Town Hall Square in English, is the neuralgic center of Tallinn’s Old Town. As its name suggests, this square is dominated by the Town Hall building, the oldest of its kind in the Baltic countries and Scandinavia—and the only Gothic-style town hall still standing in all of northern Europe!

Another notable attraction in Raekoja Plats is Raeapteek, one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe. Although no one knows exactly when it opened, there are records dating back to at least 1422.

Raekoja Plats changes a lot depending on the season. In summer, it hosts festivals like Tallinn Old Town Days, while in winter, you can visit the Christmas Market and enjoy a nice cup of glögg, a traditional Estonian mulled wine.

Image: Korng Sok

Although it’s not as old as other squares on this list, Trafalgar Square is one of the most relevant landmarks in London. It was inaugurated in 1844 to commemorate the victory of the British Navy in the Battle of Trafalgar and is now a must-see attraction for more than 30 million tourists each year. Owned by the Crown, this square is a patriotic symbol surrounded by bronze statues of several prominent figures, including George Washington.

Originally designed by the famous architect John Nash, Trafalgar Square has been a gathering place for celebrations and political rallies. If you visit it today, you’ll find hints of British culture and history, such as the majestic National Gallery and the Anglican church of St Martin-in-the-Fields.