History Main / TallIsIntimidating

* ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragonsThirdEdition'':
** As an optional rule in edition 3.5 (and an official rule in its spin-off ''TabletopGame/{{Pathfinder}}'' 1st edition), a character gains a +4 bonus on Intimidate checks for every size category that he or she is larger than the target.
** The ''towering oak'' ranger spell (''Spell Compendium'') gives a +10 bonus on Intimidate checks through the power of the forests.
-->''You loom over others like a mighty tree dwarfs lesser plants.''
* ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragonsFifthEdition'' The illustration for the Intimidation entry of the 5th edition PHB shows a barbarian bending down to terrify a considerably smaller guard.

* The ''Franchise/{{Transformers}}'' RPG, characters with the Monolith alt-mode (a large vehicle like Optimus Prime or Ultra Magnus) a bonus to social skill checks against smaller characters. In the ''Decepticon Division'' supplement book, Decepticon PCs are also given a bonus to Intimidate checks against smaller characters.

--->''You loom over others like a mighty tree dwarfs lesser plants.''

* ''Webcomic/{{Insecticomics}}'': The Constructicons try to pull this off by combining into Devastator. As the G1 Constructicon toys were fairly small, this fails because G1 Devastator isn't any taller than most of the other Decepticons. And then Tidal Wave, who's toy is enormous, successfully does it to him.

When tall characters are introduced, their height often makes them imposing or intimidating to other characters by default. Generally because there is an assumption that a larger person will be more physically threatening. This fear is not limited to muscular characters, as even [[NoodlePeople lanky characters]] can make others hesitate on their imposing stature alone.

"It will be my turn to get angry soon," he said. "If you say that again, I shall. Then you will Gandalf the Grey uncloaked."\\

'''Maero:''' [[LittleNo No]]. ''[he stands up to show how tall he is]'' You couldn't.
-->-- ''VideoGame/SaintsRow''

Whether or not the intimidation is justified depends, as nowadays it's just as likely to lead to a GentleGiant reveal. When this trope isn't subverted, expect it to be applied to TheBully. This trope can also justify LargeAndInCharge if the smaller minions follow their boss ''because'' his size is intimidating.

** In edition 3.5 (and its spin-off ''TabletopGame/{{Pathfinder}}'' 1st edition), a character gains a +4 bonus on Intimidate checks for every size category that he or she is larger than the target.

When tall characters are introduced, their height often makes them imposing or intimidating to other characters by default. Generally because there is an assumption that a larger person will be more physically threatening. This is not limited to muscular characters, as even [[NoodlePeople lanky characters]] can make others hesitate on their imposing stature alone.

* PlayedForLaughs in ''Film/TheSuper''. While meeting his teammates for a basketball game, the title character Louie (played by the rather short Creator/JoePesci) is introduced to one of his teammates nicknamed "Milkman" and asks why he's called that. The guy, who looks to be ''at least'' six and a half feet in height, rises from his seat and towers over Louie (complete with a low-angle shot from Louie's POV) to bluntly explain "''Because I killed a milkman.''"
-->'''Louie:''' "''Ohhhhh...''"

* ''ComicBook/TheTransformersMoreThanMeetsTheEye'': During the "Shadowplay" flashbacks, when Orion is trying to take his Senator friend into protective custody, a young Skids objects. Roller -- who turns into a Cybertronian paddy-waggon -- suddenly turns up and asks if there's a problem. Skids meekly backs down.

* ''Theatre/SeventeenSeventySix'': Played straight and then subverted near the end of the "Dear Mr. Adams" scene, when Adams (William Daniels, at 5'7" the same height as the historic Adams) is trying to get Jefferson (at 6'6" four inches taller than the historic Jefferson) to write the Declaration of Independence, the two are on a staircase. Adams declares that Jefferson will write it. Jefferson asks who will make him. Adams declares he will. Jefferson ascends to the same step Adams is on, towers over him, and calmly asks "How?" (He does, of course, ultimately write it, but he's not happy about it.)

** Doorman briefly use this technique to get Isaac to listen, looming his large figure over him.

** Alexandrite has a hilariously mundane example where the towering giant comes to meet Connie's parents for dinner. Her parents are clearly exceedingly intimidated by how large she is, but decide not to bring it up since it would be rude.

** Alexandrite has a hilariously mundane example where the towering giant comes to meet Connie's parents. Her parents are clearly exceedingly intimidated by how large she is, but decide not to bring it up since it would be rude.

** Alexandrite has a hilariously mundane example where the towering giant comes to meet Connie's parents. Her parents are clearly exceedingly intimidated by how large she is, but decide not to bring it up since it would be rude.

* ''Webcomic/{{Paranatural}}'': Doorman briefly use this technique to get Isaac to listen, looming his large figure over him.

This is a common trope of TheBigGuy, especially during their introduction to establish their tough credibility. They might even invoke it on purpose like in the case of a bouncer or hired muscle. The StatuesqueStunner also runs into this a lot, as being intimidating can be part of the character's appeal.

** In edition 3.5 (and its spin-off ''TabletopGame/{{Pathfinder}}'' 1st edition), a character gain a +4 bonus on Intimidate checks for every size category that he or she is larger than the target.

* ''ComicBook/TheTransformersMoreThanMeetsTheEye:'' During the "Shadowplay" flashbacks, when Orion is trying to take his Senator friend into protective custody, a young Skids objects. Roller -- who turns into a Cybertronian paddy-waggon -- suddenly turns up and asks if there's a problem. Skids meekly backs down.

[[folder:Films — Live Action]]

* In ''Literature/MenAtArms'', there has just been an explosion at the Assassin's Guild, and Captain Vimes of the City Watch wants to get inside and investigate. The Assassin guard at the front gate denies him entry, on the grounds that "your uniform doesn't scare me."
-->'''Vimes''': ''[Looking at self]'' You're right. This is not a scary uniform. Forward, Corporal Carrot and Lance-Constable Detritus.\\
''[Corporal Carrot (somewhere around 2m tall) and Lance-Constable Detritus (a troll, formerly employed as a bodyguard and bouncer) step forward. The Assassin becomes aware of the sun becoming blocked out.''\\
'''Vimes''': ''[From behind the eclipse]'' These, I'll think you agree, are scary uniforms.\\
'''Assassin''': I'll go and get Dr Cruces.\\
'''Carrot''': ''[Leaning down]'' Thank you for your co-operation

* Sometimes comes into play on ''Series/{{Taskmaster}}'' with the Taskmaster himself (6'8" Greg Davies). Case in point, in "OLLIE", when James Acaster [[DidIJustSayThatOutLoud made a flippant insult at him]], Greg stood up and took James aside for [[TranquilFury a quiet but stern talking to]], with James clearly terrified the whole time.

* ''WebComic/{{Paranatural}}'': Doorman briefly use this technique to get Isaac to listen, looming his large figure over him.

* Franchise/TheSlenderManMythos: The intimidating nature of tall people is one of the central anxieties built into Slender Man's success as a creepypasta.

When tall characters are introduced, their height often makes them imposing or intimidating to other characters by default. Generally because there is an assumption that a larger person will be more physically threatening. This is not limited to muscular characters, as even [NoodlePeople lanky characters]] can make others hesitate on their imposing stature alone.