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]
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.
