What does “Big Brother” mean?
"Big Brother" means a person or organization that has complete control and surveillance over others, often used to refer to a government or authority figure with excessive power and influence.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The government is becoming more and more like Big Brother with their surveillance programs.
Example
The company's CEO acts like Big Brother, constantly monitoring and controlling his employees.
Example
Living in a society with Big Brother watching your every move can be quite unsettling
Is “Big Brother” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Big Brother” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Big Brother” effectively in context?
You can use "Big Brother" to describe a person or organization that has complete control and surveillance over others. It often refers to a government or authority figure with excessive power and influence. For example, if you feel like your boss is constantly monitoring and controlling your every move at work, you might say, 'My boss acts like "Big Brother".'
- 1Government
The government is becoming more and more like Big Brother with their surveillance programs.
- 2Work
The company's CEO acts like Big Brother, constantly monitoring and controlling his employees.
- 3Society
Living in a society with Big Brother watching your every move can be quite unsettling.
Similar phrases to “Big Brother”:
Referring to a situation or society that is reminiscent of the dystopian world depicted in George Orwell's novel '1984'
Example
The constant surveillance and control in the workplace create an Orwellian atmosphere.
A society in which individuals are constantly monitored and their activities are under constant surveillance
Example
Living in a surveillance society raises concerns about privacy and personal freedom.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Big Brother” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Big Brother" can be traced back to George Orwell's dystopian novel '1984.' In the novel, 'Big Brother' is the leader of a totalitarian regime that exercises complete control and surveillance over its citizens. The phrase has since been used to refer to any person or organization that has excessive power and influence, particularly in terms of surveillance and control.
Is “Big Brother” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Big Brother" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation. It is often used to criticize or express concern about excessive surveillance and control by governments or authority figures.
What tone does “Big Brother” have?
"Big Brother" conveys a tone of suspicion, criticism, and unease. It is typically used to highlight the negative aspects of surveillance and control, emphasizing the loss of privacy and personal freedom.
Can “Big Brother” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Big Brother" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is widely recognized and understood, making it suitable for various contexts. However, it is important to consider the appropriateness of using this phrase in professional or sensitive situations.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The government is acting like "Big Brother" with their surveillance programs.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Watch out for "Big Brother"!' to imply caution about surveillance and control.
