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Wolf Of Wall Street

What is wolf of wall street?

· Sarah Mitchell

Key facts

Term type idiomatic, US, finance[1]
Meaning aggressive, prominent, wealthy financier[1]
Derogatory meaning one who swindles or takes unfair advantage of people[1]
Film year 2013[2]
Film director Martin Scorsese[2]
Source subject Jordan Belfort's memoir and real-life story[2]

The Wolf of Wall Street is an idiomatic term for an aggressive, prominent, wealthy financier, often used derogatorily to describe someone who swindles or takes unfair advantage of people. It is also the title of a 2013 biographical crime film directed by Martin Scorsese, based on Jordan Belfort's memoir and real-life story.

Context

The Wolf of Wall Street is an idiomatic term for an aggressive, prominent, wealthy financier, often used derogatorily to describe someone who swindles or takes unfair advantage of people [1]. It is also the title of a 2013 biographical crime film directed by Martin Scorsese, based on Jordan Belfort's memoir and real-life story [2]. The film depicts Belfort's rise and fall as a stockbroker [2].

Documented claims

  • The phrase is used as a finance nickname, not a literal animal reference. [1]
  • The film depicts Belfort's rise and fall as a stockbroker. [2]

Questions and answers

Is Wolf of Wall Street a true story?

Yes, the film is based on Jordan Belfort's memoir and his real-life career as a stockbroker [2].

Why is The Wolf of Wall Street controversial?

The film is controversial due to its graphic depiction of excess, drug use, and unethical behavior, which some critics argue glamorizes the actions of Jordan Belfort [2].

Sources

  1. What Does 'The Wolf Of Wall Street' Mean? — vault.nimc.gov.ng (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. The Lasting Power of “The Wolf of Wall Street” — newyorker.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Culture