The phrase "were big about" is spelled as /wɜr bɪɡ əbaʊt/. This means that the first word, "were," is pronounced with the vowel sound of "er" as in "her," while the second word, "big," has the short vowel sound of "i" as in "hit." The preposition "about" is pronounced with a schwa sound in the second syllable, like "uh." This phrase is an idiomatic expression which means to prioritize or strongly emphasize something.
"were big about" is an informal idiomatic expression used in conversational English. It refers to a person or a group of people being passionate, enthusiastic, or excessively interested in a particular topic, idea, or activity. The phrase emphasizes the significant importance or relevance that the individuals place on the subject in question.
The term "big" in this context signifies a strong sense of commitment, dedication, or obsession with the mentioned topic. It implies that the activity or idea holds great significance or influence in their lives, capturing a considerable amount of their attention and time.
For example, one might say, "We were big about sustainability," indicating that they, or a group they were a part of, were deeply dedicated to promoting and practicing environmentally friendly actions. Similarly, "They were big about fitness," suggests that a specific person or group prioritized staying physically fit and placed a great deal of importance on leading a healthy lifestyle.
The phrase "were big about" is commonly used to highlight an intense interest or fervor towards a particular subject, often indicating an individual or a group's strong commitment or passion for that activity or idea.