Apex Predator

The top of a food chain — used for anyone or anything that dominates its category.

Origin

Ecological term for a species with no natural predators in its environment: orcas, lions, large sharks. Entered popular use in the 2010s, partly via nature documentaries, partly via internet humor.

Modern usage

Applied to dominant companies, athletes, scenes — and self-deprecatingly to everyday situations ('apex predator of the salad bar'). Carries a faintly ironic register now.

In the wild

Tags

Related