You'd say it to a child about to play in a match, for instance. It's a way of encouraging someone before something. You could use it to a firend about to have a job interview,etc.
Thanks for your definitions. I have in my slang dictionary, that if i used only the word tiger, means and outstanding sportsman (the opposite of rabbit), the expert, the good one.
This is common in english to named someone tiger, if they are good at something? Can you give me some examples to understand better this word without the phrase Go get'em, Tiger?
Thanks in advance,
Antonio.
I can only think of this expression to be honest.
DeMarty (US/English)
I have an answer here from an native english speaker and he says:
Your dictionary describes it well. I would add that it can mean they act in a tough or ferocious manner. If a soccer player plays well and doesn't mind kicking a few shins, you might say they are a real tiger.
I think it is used most often to imply someone is or may be aggressive and playful in bed. We fought a lot, but when we made up, she was a real tiger.
In English, we often use similes and to understand them, you simply need to know about the object being named. If you know the qualities a tiger posseses (smart, playful, aggressive, fierce) you can figure out the meaning in a given context.
Can you think of examples using the word tiger?
Thanks in advance,
Antonio.
Would it sound wrong to use Tiger in a cute way like 'Hi Tiger!' to someone you like in place of words like 'dear, sweetheart...etc? I've heard people say things like 'hi cowboy, superman..' and so on. Can Tiger be used in the same context? Would it still mean smart,playful, aggresive? Or would the meaning change? Help!!
Yes. Women often use Tiger as a term of endearment towards their husbands or boyfriends. It's a playful word, but indicates that underneath it all, she thinks he's a real dynamo.
Sometimes a manager will refer to an agressive member of his sales staff as Tiger, too.
When dealing with a difficult or impossible situation, we often say "I've got a tiger by the tail.