gorilla dust

n. bluffing, posturing, or hollow attempts at intimidation. Subjects: English, Animals, Insects, & Birds, Politics

Etymological Note: The 1998 quote accurately describes the origins of the term.

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Citations: 1986 Warren Brown Washington Post (Dec. 9) “Smith, Perot All Smiles At Encounter” p. D1: More than 7,000 people showed up here today to witness what one business publication billed as a “clash of titans.” But the actual event amounted to little more than a cloud of what one of the combatants called “gorilla dust.” 1998 Hinduism Today (Kapaa, Hawaii) (Aug.) “Is India’s Nuclear Threat Mere Gorilla Dust?”: When two male gorillas confront each other, they’re too canny most of the time to actually fight, so they resort to the tried-and-true political tactic of intimidation. Both scurry about in a frenzy, grimacing menacingly, beating their chests and tossing clouds of dirt into the air. It’s a serious encounter, full of powerful and primitive energies, a test of testosterone. Soon one becomes convinced that the other could win the threatened physical engagement, and retreats. It’s called gorilla dust, and nations stir it up all the time. 2003 Zig Ziglar Ziglar On Selling (July 31) p. 205: The sales professional recognizes false objections as “gorilla dust.”

Posted 10 Sep 04 | Permalink | Tell a Friend