Word: Big Brother
Definition: 1. General Meaning: "Big Brother" can refer to an older brother, someone who is protective and looks out for you. 2. In a Political Context: It can also mean a leader or government that is very controlling or invades people's privacy. This usage comes from George Orwell's book "1984," where Big Brother is a figure representing total government surveillance.
Usage Instructions: - When you say "big brother" in a family context, it is usually lowercase (big brother). - When referring to the controlling government idea, it is often capitalized as "Big Brother."
Examples: 1. Family Context: "My big brother always helps me with my homework." 2. Political Context: "Some people feel that the government is acting like Big Brother, watching our every move."
Advanced Usage: - You can use "big brother" metaphorically to describe any situation where someone is overly controlling or watching over others, not just in family or government contexts. For example: "In the workplace, the new policies feel like big brother is always watching us."
Word Variants: - Big Sister: This is the female equivalent of big brother, referring to an older sister. - Little Brother: Referring to a younger brother. - Little Sister: Referring to a younger sister.
Different Meanings: - In a casual context, "big brother" can simply mean an affectionate term for an older sibling. - In a more serious context, it refers to a warning about excessive government control and loss of privacy.
Synonyms: - For an older brother: sibling, elder brother. - For the controlling leader context: authoritarian, dictator, overseer.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: - "Big Brother is watching you": This idiom means that someone is always monitoring your actions, often used to describe government surveillance. - There are no specific phrasal verbs directly related to "big brother," but phrases like "keep an eye on" or "look out for" can convey similar meanings of protection or oversight.
Summary: "Big brother" can mean an older brother who cares for you or symbolize a controlling authority that invades privacy.