Muck-A-Muck
/ˌmʌk ə ˈmʌk/noun
A person of great importance or presumed authority, often used humorously or critically.
Did you know?The expression entered English through Chinook Jargon, a multilingual trade language of the Pacific Northwest, where reduplication could intensify or broaden a word’s meaning.
Etymological Timeline
18th–19th Century
Nuu-chah-nulth
makuk
“Food or provisions; a source word borrowed into the regional trade language.”
19th Century
Chinook Jargon
muckamuck
“Food, eating, or a meal; the form reflects the trade language’s adaptation of the source word.”
19th Century
Chinook Jargon
hyas muckamuck
“Literally “great food” or “great eating,” used for an important person or chief.”
Mid-19th Century
English
muck-a-muck
“A prominent person or important figure, often with humorous or mocking force.”
Modern English
English
muck-a-muck
“A self-important authority figure or person who acts as though they are in charge.”
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