dragon lady
Ruthless female authority
A dragon lady is a stereotype of an East Asian woman as domineering, mysterious, and scheming—often seductive but treacherous.
The term originated with a villainous character in the comic strip *Terry and the Pirates* (1930s).
More broadly, it describes any powerful, imperious woman: The new CFO has a reputation as a real dragon lady.
The term carries racist and sexist connotations.
Female family leader
- domineeringAggressively asserting control
- commandingExerting strong authority
- authoritativeHaving recognized expertise
- dominantHaving superior influence
formidable · influential · imperious · iron-fisted · empress · queen · tycoon · magnate
Puzzling and obscure
- inscrutableImpossible to understand
- secretiveInclined to conceal
- veiledConcealed or obscured
- sphinxlikeMysterious and impassive
alluring · exotic · seductive · beguiling · mesmerizing · captivating · bewitching · smoldering
Strict or ship's aft
- harshUnpleasantly severe or rough
- strictRigorous, without flexibility
- unyieldingRefusing to give way
- menacingConveying threat or danger
imposing · terrifying · ruthless · merciless · overbearing · tyrannical · unapproachable · fearsome
Skilled at controlling others
- schemingCrafty and calculating
- cold-heartedDevoid of empathy
- calculatingColdly self-serving in strategy
- villainessEvil female character
seductress · femme fatale · temptress · treacherous · devious · cunning · sly · conniving
matriarch
Female family leader
- domineeringAggressively asserting control
- commandingExerting strong authority
- authoritativeHaving recognized expertise
dominant · formidable · influential · imperious · iron-fisted · empress · queen · tycoon · magnate · boss
enigmatic
Puzzling and obscure
- inscrutableImpossible to understand
- secretiveInclined to conceal
- veiledConcealed or obscured
sphinxlike · alluring · exotic · seductive · beguiling · mesmerizing · captivating · bewitching · smoldering · glamorous
stern
Strict or ship's aft
- harshUnpleasantly severe or rough
- strictRigorous, without flexibility
- unyieldingRefusing to give way
menacing · imposing · terrifying · ruthless · merciless · overbearing · tyrannical · unapproachable · fearsome · steely
manipulative
Skilled at controlling others
- schemingCrafty and calculating
- cold-heartedDevoid of empathy
- calculatingColdly self-serving in strategy
villainess · seductress · femme fatale · temptress · treacherous · devious · cunning · sly · conniving · deceitful
- feisty womenfirebrand, hellcat, vixen, shrew, tigress
- femme fatalesfemme fatale, seductress, temptress, vixen, enchantress
- Orientalismodalisque, orientalism, Egyptology, snake charmer, harems
- femaleswoman, girl, mother, daughter, wife
- strong womenwarrior, amazon, queen, empress, matriarch
dragon ladynurturer
One who fosters development
sweetheart · den mother · gentle soul · teddy bear · softie
dragon ladyservant leader
Leader who serves first
team player · peacemaker · people pleaser · pushover · doormat
dragon ladygirl next door
Wholesome, approachable young woman
damsel in distress · den mother · fairy godmother · wallflower · mother hen
dragon, lady, dragons, ladies, dragonlike, ladylike, ladyship