Noun
/ɡrænd ˈdræɡən/
The term "grand dragon" historically refers to a high-ranking official in the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), an organization known for its white supremacist ideology and acts of racial violence. The title is often associated with a leadership position, overseeing a specific region or chapter within the organization.
In contemporary usage, "grand dragon" can also imply a leader or someone with significant influence in a particular domain, but it carries a strong negative connotation due to its association with hate groups. Its frequency of use is relatively low in modern discourse, primarily limited to discussions about the KKK or historical references. It is more often found in written contexts, such as articles, books, or documentaries addressing American history, racism, or civil rights.
Translation: El gran dragón del KKK era conocido por organizar numerosas manifestaciones durante la década de 1920.
After extensive research, the historian uncovered information about the activities of a grand dragon in the local community.
Translation: Después de una exhaustiva investigación, el historiador descubrió información sobre las actividades de un gran dragón en la comunidad local.
The portrayal of the grand dragon in the documentary revealed the dark history of the KKK's influence.
While "grand dragon" is not commonly featured in idiomatic expressions due to its specific historical context, some phrases can encompass leadership or authority:
Translation: Ser un pez grande en un estanque pequeño.
"Call the shots" — to be the person who makes the decisions.
Translation: Tomar las decisiones.
"Head honcho" — an informal term for the person in charge.
Translation: El jefe.
"Ruling the roost" — to be the dominant or controlling figure in a situation.
The term "grand" derives from Middle English "grand," meaning great or noble, from Old French "grand," which in turn comes from Latin "grandis." "Dragon" comes from the Greek "drakōn," originally meaning "serpent" or "large fish," and later referred to a mythical creature. The combination in this context refers to a significant figure within a malevolent group.