Big Brother - Definition And Meaning - Wordnik

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Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • noun An older brother.
  • noun A man who assumes the role of an older brother, as by providing guidance or protection.
  • noun An omnipresent, seemingly benevolent figure representing the oppressive control over individual lives exerted by an authoritarian government.
  • noun A state, organization, or leader regarded in this manner.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun A sibling's older brother used especially by children or by parents in speaking to their children.
  • noun Alternative form of Big Brother.

Etymologies

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition

[Sense 3, after Big Brother, a character in the novel 1984 by George Orwell.]

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Examples

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    cross-references (3)

    Cross-references

    1. big sister
    2. little brother
    3. little sister

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    Comments

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    • kewpid commented on the word big brother

      This terrifying concept has been reduced to a side-character on a reality TV show.

      January 17, 2008

    • reesetee commented on the word big brother

      My thoughts exactly, kewpid.

      January 17, 2008

    • uselessness commented on the word big brother

      Of course, if the real Big Brother's going to rise, now would be the time to do it, while everyone's distracted. Good thing that's not happening. Uh... hmmmmm.

      January 17, 2008

    • reesetee commented on the word big brother

      *looking around*

      Hmm.

      January 17, 2008

    • spoonyalchemist commented on the word big brother

      ...is watching you. O_O

      April 19, 2008

    • plethora commented on the word big brother

      Worst TV show ever

      April 19, 2008

    • bilby commented on the word big brother

      If you've ever wanted to watch a bunch of nobodies doing nothing, this is the show for you. Complete anti-art.

      April 19, 2008

    • plethora commented on the word big brother

      They don't do nothing. They get drunk, have neuroses, and slap turkeys stuff.

      April 19, 2008

    • sionnach commented on the word big brother

      See homage to catatonia

      April 19, 2008

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Tag » What Does Big Brother Mean