Paper tiger
The phrase
paper tiger is a literal
English translation of the
Chinese phrase "tsuh lao fu," meaning something which seems as threatening as a
tiger, but is really harmless.
[1] The common usage is synonymous with the adjective
toothless, meaning ineffective.
Although some sources may claim it actually dates back as far as 1850 [1], it seems the Chinese phrase was first translated when it was applied to describe the United States. In 1956, Chairman Mao Zedong, said of the US:
- "In appearance it is very powerful but in reality it is nothing to be afraid of, it is a paper tiger. Outwardly a tiger, it is made of paper, unable to withstand the wind and the rain. I believe the United States is nothing but a paper tiger." [1]
In recent years, it has become a frequent term used to describe
China or its economy, especially in the American and British press.
There is also a
non-profit organization called
Paper Tiger Television, based in
New York City:
Paper Tiger is the name of a
Beck song from the album
Sea Change [1]
Paper Tiger is also a publishing imprint of the Chrysalis Books Group of
London, England.
There are several books with the title
Paper Tiger: by Jack Davies, by Tim Jessell (ISBN 0152013121), and by Patricia Rice.