Big Shot

 

In England around the mid-19^th century, and for reasons unknown, thugs began talking about money as “shot”.  It was jargon in the underworld for profits made from any kind of illegal undertaking.  A good haul was regarded as a big shot; while no ill-gotten gain was no shot at all.  Eventually, the term transferred from the loot to the person.  When a hood made a haul, he was admired as a “big shot”.  The term has since evolved from its association with gangs to persons considered important.

See: Webb B. Garrison, Why You Say It?  (New York: Abingdon Press, 1955), pp. 312-313.