What does cutthroat mean?
Cutthroat is a vivid English word with two principal uses: as a noun denoting a murderer — historically one who kills by slashing the throat — and far more commonly today as an adjective describing ruthless, no-holds-barred competition. When we call an industry, a sport, or a workplace 'cutthroat,' we mean that participants will do whatever it takes to win, even at others' expense. The word derives from the grim image of throat-slashing and has been in use since at least the sixteenth century. Beyond its figurative sense, cutthroat also names a three-player version of billiards and several species of trout distinguished by red markings beneath the jaw. Its connotations are unambiguously negative, evoking savagery and mercilessness, which makes it a powerful shorthand for environments where cooperation gives way to pure rivalry.
A person who commits murder, especially by cutting the victim's throat.
"Highwaymen and cutthroats terrorized travelers along that road in the seventeenth century."
Fiercely competitive and ruthless; characterized by a willingness to harm rivals to succeed.
"It's a cutthroat business where only the most aggressive firms survive."
A three-player billiards game in which all players share a cue ball and try to pocket their opponents' balls.
"They played cutthroat until midnight, each trying to sink the others' last balls."
Used when referring to multiple murderers (historical), multiple cutthroat trout fish, or instances of the game.
"Legends spoke of cutthroats who preyed on ships in those waters."
The word cutthroat began as a literal description of murderers and ended up describing everything from poker games to corporate mergers — proof that business can be deadly serious.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of cutthroat
Cutthroat is a compound of the verb 'cut' (from Old Norse 'kuta' or Middle English) and 'throat' (from Old English 'þrote'), first attested in the sixteenth century as a literal term for a murderer. Over time it developed figurative senses, becoming an adjective for ruthless competition by the nineteenth century. It shares its second element with words built on 'throat,' such as throttle and throat-cutting, rather than any classical root.
Related word forms
How cutthroat is actually used
The adjective sense dominates modern usage, especially in phrases like 'cutthroat competition.' The noun sense referring to a literal murderer is largely historical. The word carries strongly negative connotations of ruthlessness.
Easily confused with cutthroat
Throat-cutting literally describes the act of cutting someone's throat, while cutthroat more often figuratively describes ruthless behavior or competition.