BIG BROTHER Meaning and
Definition
-
Big Brother is a culturally significant term typically used in a metaphorical sense to describe a controlling and authoritarian authority figure or institution that invasively monitors and surveils individuals, often intruding into their personal lives and suppressing their freedoms. The term originated from George Orwell's dystopian novel "1984," where "Big Brother" was the omniscient and oppressive ruler of Oceania, constantly monitoring the citizens through pervasive surveillance.
In contemporary usage, "Big Brother" implies a governmental or corporate entity that exercises an undue amount of power and control over individuals' actions and privacy. This authority can often manifest in various forms, such as extensive surveillance through electronic means, mass data collection, and the intrusion into private communication channels. Big Brother is associated with an atmosphere of constant scrutiny, where citizens are aware that their actions are being surveyed, curbing their personal liberties and self-expression.
The term is often employed to address concerns about privacy invasion, loss of autonomy, and the erosion of civil liberties. It serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by unchecked surveillance and overreach of authority. By invoking the image of "Big Brother," individuals seek to emphasize the need for vigilance and the preservation of individual freedoms in the face of overbearing power structures that infringe on privacy and personal autonomy.
Common Misspellings for BIG BROTHER
- vig brother
- nig brother
- hig brother
- gig brother
- bug brother
- bjg brother
- bkg brother
- bog brother
- b9g brother
- b8g brother
- bif brother
- biv brother
- bib brother
- bih brother
- biy brother
- bit brother
- big vrother
- big nrother
- big hrother
Etymology of BIG BROTHER
The word "Big Brother" originates from the novel "Nineteen Eighty-Four" written by George Orwell and published in 1949. In the novel, "Big Brother" is the fictional leader of the totalitarian government known as the Party, which exercises complete control over every aspect of people's lives. The term "Big Brother" is used to refer to the Party and its intense surveillance and manipulation of individuals. The idea behind the term is that the government constantly watches and monitors its citizens, much like an older sibling or "big brother" would do. Over time, the term has become popularly used to describe any entity or system that exercises surveillance or control over others.
Idioms with the word BIG BROTHER
-
Big Brother is watching you
The idiom "Big Brother is watching you" is a reference to a dystopian society where the government or an authoritative figure exercises excessive surveillance and control over its citizens. It implies the idea of constant monitoring and the loss of privacy, often accompanied by a sense of fear or oppression. This phrase originated from George Orwell's novel "1984," in which the government, represented by the figure of Big Brother, monitors the citizens' every move through surveillance technology.
Similar spelling words for BIG BROTHER
