idiot box
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- an electronic device that receives television signals and displays them on a screen
- the British call a tv set a telly