I work with the public managing a business and I sorta get the impression some people (mostly men) try and project a "tough guy" vibe or want you think telling them "no" or not doing what they will result in disastrous consequences.

I can't really put my finger on it but most times they won't come out and say it but what they say, the way they say it, or phrase it, their tone, body language etc they are kinda alluding to the fact they are "tough guy" or "someone not to be fucked with." A lot of the time I feel it's an act or insincere and they are kinda playing it up.

I was watching a documentary about a famous person and the mental health professional said this guy was terrified of his father and he developed this trait of wanting everyone to be afraid of him. I guess it made him feel safer.

In the small handful of times I've had to confront these types, tell them "no" or "stop" etc I've been almost terrified of their response but every single one of them doesn't really do anything other than maybe getting loud or aggressive. If I have to deal with them again they are super polite, tone the "tough guy" act down big time, pleasant, and don't try and push boundaries anymore. I had one of these guys unable to look me in the eyes anymore.