Leader of the free world means: An informal honorific title applied to the President of the United States, reflecting the country's dominant role in Western alliances and democratic politics since World War II. Typically used in. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.