800-pound gorilla
"800 lb gorilla" is an American English expression for person or organization so large or powerful that it can pursue its own purposes without the slightest regard to the needs or desires of others, social conventions, or even the rule of law.[1] It is based on the idea that a gorilla is so mighty and powerful that it can do anything it wishes.
Origins
The phrase itself is rooted in the idea of an old riddle which asks:
"Where does an 800 lb. gorilla sleep?"
The answer:
"Anywhere it wants to."[2]
Usage
The term refers to the issue of a seemingly unstoppable force with greater powers than average humans being able to throw their weight around as they see fit. The issue raised with such a phrase is to highlight the sheer disparity of power between the "800 lb. gorilla" and everything and everyone else who shares the same space or lies within its sphere of influence.
The term is often used to describe an a powerful geopolitical and military force, or, in business, a powerful corporate entity that has such a large majority percentage of whatever market they compete within that they can use that strength to crush would be competitors.
AXA
In early 2010, the financial firm AXA Equitable created a series of TV advertisements[3] like the commonly used elephant in the room the phrase "the 800 lb. gorilla in the room" is used to represent a larger than life problem as even obese gorillas are only 600 lb. An 800 lb. gorilla is also the most common reference for a company followed by 1,000 lb. gorilla and 600 lb. gorilla[4]
Conversely, in 2011 former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee referred to the healthcare plan instituted by former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney as "the 800-pound elephant in the room".[5]
See also
References
- ^ "elephant in the room". OUP. Retrieved 2009-18-06.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ "What do People Mean When They Refer to an "800 Pound Gorilla"?". wisegeek.com. Retrieved 2009-18-06.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ "AXA Equitable's 800lb Gorilla Joy Ride Commercial". youtube.com. Retrieved 2010-11-08.
- ^ Seitz, Patrick. "'The 800-pound gorilla in the room' is probably more like 400 pounds". TECH-MEDIA-TAINMENT. Retrieved 03/08/2011.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ "Huckabee: Romney should apologize for health plan", Associated Press, February 24, 2011