The phrase “walk tall and carry a big stick” is often attributed to Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States. However, the original phrase, “speak softly and carry a big stick,” was popularized by Roosevelt in a speech delivered in 1901. Although Roosevelt claimed that the phrase was of West African origin, this has never been verified.
Key Facts
- Origin of the phrase: The original phrase “speak softly and carry a big stick” was popularized by Teddy Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States, in a speech delivered in 1901.
- Teddy Roosevelt’s usage: Although Teddy Roosevelt claimed that the phrase was of West African origin, this was never verified.
- Other politicians who used the phrase: Several politicians have used and sometimes mangled the famous phrase. For example, Mitt Romney said, “I want to carry the big stick” during a campaign stop in 2007. Rudy Giuliani, while running for president in 2007, stated that his approach to foreign policy would be to “speak softly and carry a big stick”.
- Misquote by John McCain: In an October 2008 presidential debate with Barack Obama, Senator John McCain stumbled and somewhat misquoted Teddy Roosevelt’s line, saying, “walk softly — talk softly, but carry a big stick”.
Usage by Other Politicians
Several politicians have used and sometimes mangled the famous phrase. For example, Mitt Romney said, “I want to carry the big stick” during a campaign stop in 2007. Rudy Giuliani, while running for president in 2007, stated that his approach to foreign policy would be to “speak softly and carry a big stick”.
Misquote by John McCain
In an October 2008 presidential debate with Barack Obama, Senator John McCain stumbled and somewhat misquoted Teddy Roosevelt’s line, saying, “walk softly — talk softly, but carry a big stick”.
Conclusion
The phrase “walk tall and carry a big stick” is often used to describe a person who is prepared to take action, take charge, and take over. It can also be used to describe a person who is a fearless authority figure, known for using punitive measures sparsely but always accurately, swiftly, and appropriately when needed.
Sources:
- 10 things about ‘that big stick’ – POLITICO
- Urban Dictionary: Walk tall, carrying a big stick.
- Did Ronald Reagan ever say walk softly but carry a big stick? – Answers
FAQs
Who said “walk tall and carry a big stick”?
The original phrase, “speak softly and carry a big stick,” was popularized by Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States, in a speech delivered in 1901.
What is the origin of the phrase “walk tall and carry a big stick”?
Although Teddy Roosevelt claimed that the phrase was of West African origin, this has never been verified.
How has the phrase “walk tall and carry a big stick” been used by other politicians?
Several politicians have used and sometimes mangled the famous phrase. For example, Mitt Romney said, “I want to carry the big stick” during a campaign stop in 2007. Rudy Giuliani, while running for president in 2007, stated that his approach to foreign policy would be to “speak softly and carry a big stick”.
What is the meaning of the phrase “walk tall and carry a big stick”?
The phrase “walk tall and carry a big stick” is often used to describe a person who is prepared to take action, take charge, and take over. It can also be used to describe a person who is a fearless authority figure, known for using punitive measures sparsely but always accurately, swiftly, and appropriately when needed.
What is the difference between “walk tall and carry a big stick” and “speak softly and carry a big stick”?
The phrase “speak softly and carry a big stick” emphasizes the importance of diplomacy and negotiation before resorting to force. “Walk tall and carry a big stick” puts more emphasis on being prepared to use force if necessary.
Who misquoted the phrase “walk tall and carry a big stick”?
Senator John McCain stumbled and somewhat misquoted Teddy Roosevelt’s line in an October 2008 presidential debate with Barack Obama, saying, “walk softly — talk softly, but carry a big stick”.
In what context is the phrase “walk tall and carry a big stick” often used today?
The phrase “walk tall and carry a big stick” is often used in discussions of foreign policy and national security. It can also be used in a more general sense to describe a person or organization that is prepared to take action and defend its interests.
What are some examples of people or organizations that could be described as “walking tall and carrying a big stick”?
Examples could include a strong military power, a tough negotiator, or a person who is not afraid to stand up for what they believe in, even in the face of opposition.