Definition

Noun: - A television set: A slang and informal, often mildly derogatory, term for a television receiver. It implies the device promotes passive, unthinking consumption of entertainment.

Usage

This term is used informally and often humorously or critically to refer to a television. - It functions as a countable noun (e.g., an idiot box, the idiot box). - Its use suggests the speaker views television programming as mind-numbing or of low intellectual value.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in critiques of media or popular culture to emphasize passivity.
  • In his essay, the author argues that the idiot box has become the modern opiate of the masses.

Variants and Related Words

• TV / television (set): The standard, neutral terms.
• Telly: (Chiefly British, informal) A common informal term for television, without the derogatory connotation of "idiot box."
• The tube: (North American, slang) Another informal term for a television set.
• Boob tube: (North American, slang) A synonym with a very similar derogatory meaning to "idiot box."

Synonyms

• Television (set)
• TV
• Boob tube (slang)
• The tube (slang)

Idioms / Fixed Phrases

• Glued to the idiot box: Describes someone watching television for a very long time without moving.
  • The children were glued to the idiot box all afternoon.

Noun

1. an electronic device that receives television signals and displays them on a screen
   • the British call a tv set a telly