Engaging Tiger King Vocabulary for Fun English Lessons

Courtesy of NETFLIX

Hey all you cool cats and kittens! 

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve just finished binge-watching Netflix’s captivating seven-part series, “Tiger King,” centered around the eccentric private zoo owner and tiger breeder, Joe Exotic. This series is arguably one of the most bizarre phenomena in the realm of English-language television, making it a perfect and engaging topic for a conversational English lesson!

Discover a selection of valuable vocabulary that will enhance your ability to articulate the excitement unfolding on screen, along with some thought-provoking questions to kickstart your discussion with your tutor.

Tiger King Vocabulary 

To Breed (verb)  

Joe Exotic used to breed tigers for money.  

“To breed” animals is to cause them to have sex and produce offspring. 

Tiger cub (noun) 

Visitors paid a fee to play with a tiger cub 

A “tiger cub” or “cub” is a baby tiger. 

To take out a hit on (exp) 

The jury believed that Joe did take out a hit on Carole Baskin. 

“To ‘take out a hit on’ someone means to hire someone to assassinate them. The individual who agrees to carry out this murder for payment is often referred to as a ‘hitman.'”

Murder (noun) 

Joe would often say that he was going to murder Carole, but he might have been joking. 

To “murder” someone is to kill them on purpose. 

Mayhem (n) 

The zoo was in a state of mayhem after Travis died. 

While the term “mayhem” in the show’s title might not pop up in daily chats, it perfectly captures a scenario that’s spiraling out of control—think chaos and madness. It’s the ideal word to convey the show’s thrilling unpredictability!

Broke (adjective) 

“I’m broke as sh*t” — Joe Exotic 

While “broke” is commonly recognized as the past tense of “break,” it also carries a different, more relatable meaning: being short on cash or financially struggling.

The expression “to go broke” means to be running out of money. 

Redneck (noun) 

Joe described himself as a redneck.

The term “redneck” is a colloquial label for white working-class individuals hailing from the rural Southern United States. It originates from the sunburned skin on the back of their necks, a result of long hours spent working outdoors.

Joe Exotic embodies several characteristics often linked to the “redneck” stereotype, including a history of drug use, a passion for firearms, and a distinctive Southern accent. However, it’s important to note that labeling someone as a “redneck” can be considered offensive.

Animal rights (noun) –

There were so many animal rights abuses in that show.

“Animal rights” refers to the fundamental entitlements that all animals should possess, ensuring they are not deprived of essential needs. For instance, many advocates argue that animals have the right to ample space for exercise and the right to live free from unnecessary pain.

When Joe and his fellow zoo owners refer to “Animal Rights people,” they are talking about activists who advocate against the mistreatment of animals. These passionate individuals often organize protests to raise awareness about animal welfare issues.

Activist (noun)

Carole said she was an Animal Rights activist but she posed with tiger cubs too! 

An activist is an individual who passionately advocates for a cause they care deeply about or opposes an issue they wish to change. They often participate in protests and demonstrations to raise awareness, influence public opinion, and push for legal reforms. Through their efforts, activists aim to inspire others and drive meaningful change in society.

Rival (noun)

Carole Baskin was Joe Exotic’s biggest rival. 

A “rival” refers to an individual or entity that competes with you in the same industry or domain, often posing a challenge or threat. This competition can create a sense of antagonism. For instance, Doc Antle was a rival to Joe because both were zoo owners, vying for recognition in the same field.

Real-life (adjective) 

Carole thought she was a real-life saint.

He was a real-life local hero, that’s for sure. 

In standard English, “real-life” refers to situations or experiences that occur in reality, such as when we discuss “real-life problems.” However, in the context of *Tiger King*, Joe and his team employ the term “real-life” with a unique twist. In Southern slang, it can signify something that is “genuine” or “absolute.”

Underworld (noun)  

Jeff Lowe has lots of friends in the underworld from his time in prison. 

The term “underworld” refers to the intricate network of criminals who operate outside the law, forming a shadowy realm where illegal activities thrive. This underground society consists of individuals who have chosen a life of crime as their profession.

Feud (noun)

The feud between Carole and Joe very nearly ended in murder.

A “feud” is a serious, long term disagreement. 

Fall-out (noun) 

I had to deal with the fall-out from all the legal battles.

As a noun, “fall-out” informally refers to the negative consequences or unintended adverse outcomes that arise from a particular action.

Gun-toting (adjective) 

Why are the zoo-owners such gun-toting maniacs? 

The term “to tote” is an antiquated expression meaning “to carry.” While it has fallen out of common usage, you might still hear it in the phrase “gun-toting,” particularly in the United States, where gun ownership is prevalent. Being “gun-toting” refers to the practice of frequently carrying and displaying a firearm.

Mullet (noun)

Once the quarantine is over, I am getting a mullet. 

Joe Exotic’s hairstyle may not be the most bizarre or unattractive aspect of *Tiger King*, but it certainly stands out. Sporting a classic mullet, his hair is cropped short in the front and sides while flowing long in the back. This distinctive cut enjoyed immense popularity in Europe during the 1980s, though it has thankfully fallen out of fashion since then.

To run for (verb) 

To run for president without a party was such an arrogant thing to do! 

In the early episodes of Tiger King, we witness Joe’s ambitious yet unsuccessful attempts to make his mark in politics by running for President of the United States and later for Governor of Ohio. In American political terminology, the phrase “to run for” refers to an individual’s effort to attain a leadership position.

The Feds 

The feds were spying on the zoo: everything was being recorded with a hidden microphone. 

In the later episodes of *Tiger King*, viewers frequently hear characters reference “the feds,” discussing their dealings and how they betray one another to federal authorities. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, “the feds” is a colloquial shorthand for federal law enforcement in the United States, commonly depicted in various American TV shows.

In the United States, law enforcement is divided into different agencies based on the scope of their jurisdiction. State police handle crimes that occur within a single state, while federal law enforcement tackles offenses that span multiple states. In Joe’s case, his most serious crime took place across state lines, involving his home in Ohio and Carole’s residence in Florida. As a result, it fell under the jurisdiction of federal authorities to investigate and resolve the matter.

To amputate (verb) 

Saff decided to amputate his arm after he was bitten by a tiger. 

A standout moment in the series occurred when Saff, an employee at Joe’s zoo, experienced a harrowing incident where a tiger bit off his arm. In a surprising decision, he chose to have the doctors completely amputate it, allowing him to return to work sooner. The term “amputate” refers to the surgical removal of a body part for medical reasons.

Batsh*t crazy (adjective) 

Every single person in that documentary was batsh*t crazy! 

Finally, the slang term “batsh*t crazy” is widely used throughout the USA to describe something or someone that is completely irrational or utterly insane. Its vivid imagery makes it a fitting addition to this discussion.

Some questions to start the conversation

Do you agree with this ranking of the most to least likable people in Tiger King? 

How did your opinion of Joe Exotic change over the series?

What do you think happened to Carol Baskin’s husband?

Why do you think Joe Exotic decided to run for Governor?

What was the biggest feud?

What was the craziest thing to happen in the show?

Why do you think this became so popular?