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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Comments

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

    January 17, 2008

  • My thoughts exactly, kewpid.

    January 17, 2008

  • 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

  • *looking around*

    Hmm.

    January 17, 2008

  • ...is watching you. O_O

    April 19, 2008

  • Worst TV show ever

    April 19, 2008

  • 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

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

    April 19, 2008

  • See homage to catatonia

    April 19, 2008