tiger economy

[ tahy-ger i-kon-uh-mee ]

noun

1. an economy that maintains a high growth rate, originally referring to the relatively small economies of South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taiwan in East Asia.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tiger economy¹

So called from the importance of the tiger in Asian symbolism

Example Sentences

Indonesia, once touted as an “Asian Tiger’’ economy, endured Depression-level deprivation in the late 1990s that led to riots and political unrest and swept away a strongman who had held power for three decades.

From Seattle Times

Indonesia, once touted as an “Asian Tiger’’ economy, endured Depression-level deprivation in the late 1990s that led to riots and political unrest and swept away a strong man who’d held power for three decades.

From Seattle Times

“Riverdance” first premiered on the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest as a seven-minute segment and opened at Dublin’s Point Theatre on Feb. 9, 1995, at a time of renewed Irish optimism and pride surrounding the onset of the booming “Celtic Tiger” economy.

From Washington Times

However, that was commuted by the Seoul High Court in recognition of Chun's role in the fast-paced economic development of the Asian "Tiger" economy and the peaceful transfer of the presidency to Roh in 1988.

From Reuters

But the model that has fueled the so-called Celtic Tiger economy for decades is in peril, as a coalition of 130 nations works to overhaul a global tax system that Ireland depends on to lure businesses looking to reduce the taxes they pay.

From New York Times