big man

noun5

1. •
   A male member of a tribe who wields great status and influence, especially in Melanesia and Polynesia.
2. •
   A corrupt, autocratic ruler.
3. •
   (figurative) An alpha male.

   • “There's a lot of big men on campus,” said one investor close to some of Meta's AI leaders. — 2025
4. •
   (informal) A lineman.
5. •
   Synonym of big guy (“term of endearment”).