High Muckamuck
/ˌhaɪ ˈmʌkəˌmʌk/noun
A person of high rank, authority, or social importance.
Did you know?The expression comes from Chinook Jargon, a multilingual trade language of the Pacific Northwest, where muckamuck referred to food or eating and later became associated with an important person being hosted at a grand meal.
Etymological Timeline
Pre-19th Century
Nuu-chah-nulth
mákuk
“Food or provisions; the probable Indigenous source of the Chinook Jargon term.”
18th–19th Century
Chinook Jargon
muckamuck
“Food, to eat, or a meal.”
19th Century
Chinook Jargon
hyas muckamuck
“Literally “great food” or “great eating,” used in contexts involving a prominent person or ceremonial hospitality.”
Mid-19th Century
Pacific Northwest English
high muckamuck
“A person of high rank or an important official; English high was associated with the Chinook Jargon expression.”
Modern English
English
high muckamuck
“A powerful, self-important, or high-ranking person, often used humorously or critically.”
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