{"id":9572,"date":"2022-09-23T15:34:11","date_gmt":"2022-09-23T15:34:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/?p=9572"},"modified":"2022-09-23T15:34:11","modified_gmt":"2022-09-23T15:34:11","slug":"number-one-with-a-bullet-meaning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/number-one-with-a-bullet-meaning\/","title":{"rendered":"Number One with a Bullet \u2013 Meaning, Origin and Usage"},"content":{"rendered":"

Did someone say the new Lady Gaga song is \u2018number one with a bullet?\u2019<\/em><\/strong> This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.<\/p>\n

Meaning<\/h2>\n

The expression \u2018number one with a bullet\u2019<\/em> means something or someone experiencing a rapid rise to fame<\/u>. You could use the phrase to describe an influencer<\/u> that shot to superstardom overnight, like Andrew Tate.<\/p>\n

Or you could use it to describe someone in your company experiencing a rapid rise through the corporate rankings<\/u>. If someone is \u2018number one with a bullet,\u2019<\/em> it means they are still rising in respect and fame, and they have a long way to go to reach their peak.<\/u><\/p>\n

Example Usage<\/h2>\n

\"I'll be your number one with a bullet. I'm ready to rise up the rankings and receive the fame I deserve. Put me in coach. I know I can pull it off.\"<\/p>\n

\"She's number one with a bullet on this week's charts. Her rapid rise to fame means she has millions of fans around the globe.\"<\/p>\n

\"This album is number one with a bullet. It came out of nowhere to top the charts in its second week of release.\"<\/p>\n

\"The new guy in the sales team is number one with a bullet. He's only been here a few weeks and is already way ahead of the others in sales figures.\"<\/p>\n

\"This new car model is number one with a bullet. It's eclipsing sales of all other vehicles in its range and shows no signs of slowing down.\"<\/p>\n

\"Our new dog is number one with a bullet. He's already asserting dominance over the other puppies, even though he's only been here a few days.\"<\/p>\n

\"This product is number one with a bullet in its class. It's setting sales records and earning the company a huge financial windfall.\"<\/p>\n

\"This investor is number one with a bullet. He's a new guy on Wall Street, but he's showing the old dogs a trick or two with trading the markets.\"<\/p>\n

\"\" \"\"<\/p>\n

Origin<\/h2>\n

The expression 'number one with a bullet' originates from the music industry. According to language experts, the term's first use appeared in Billboard Magazine in the 1960s. Writers and disc jockeys in the music industry would use 'number one with a bullet' to describe the rapid ascension of a song to the top of the charts, despite it only being out for a few days or weeks.<\/p>\n

Billboard Magazine would list chart entries with a bullet next to the title to describe songs selling over a million copies, later referred to as 'going platinum.' The phrase went on to gain everyday use in culture to describe someone experiencing a rapid ascent to success in their field, profession, or culture.<\/p>\n

'Number One with a Bullet' was also the title of a 1987 film directed by Jack Smight.<\/p>\n