big ole: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘big ole’ mean?

The idiom "big ole" is used to describe something that is very large or significant, often in a casual or colloquial manner.

Idiom Explorer

The True Essence

The idiomatic expressions "big ol'", "big old", "in a big way", "big fat", and "big bucks" are all related to the idiom "big ole" in various ways. These related idioms share a common theme of emphasizing and exaggerating the size or significance of something or someone.

"Big ol'" is a variation of "big ole" that further emphasizes the sense of familiarity and informality. It is often used in colloquial speech to add emphasis or affection to the description. For example, someone might say, "That's one big ol' slice of pizza!" to emphasize the large size of the pizza. In this case, "big ol'" adds an extra level of enthusiasm and exaggeration to the description.

The expression "big old" is similar to "big ole" in that it emphasizes size or magnitude. However, "big old" tends to be used more in a straightforward and literal sense, without the added sense of familiarity or informality. For instance, someone might say, "I saw a big old house on the corner," to simply describe a large house without any additional connotation.

That's one big ole slice of pizza.

The phrase "in a big way" also relates to the idiom "big ole" by emphasizing size or significance. However, "in a big way" is used to describe the extent or impact of an action or event, rather than the size or physical attributes of something. For example, one might say, "She made a mistake, but she fixed it in a big way," to emphasize the significant and impactful manner in which the mistake was rectified.

The term "big fat" is another related idiom that adds an extra layer of emphasis and exaggeration. It is often used to describe something as both large and impressive, often in a sarcastic or humorous way. For instance, someone might say, "I just won a big fat bonus at work!" to convey their excitement and satisfaction with the unexpected and significant reward.

Lastly, the idiom "big bucks" is a colloquial phrase used to describe a large amount of money. It is often used informally to discuss financial success or wealth. For example, someone might say, "He made big bucks from his latest business venture," to highlight the significant financial gain achieved.

Overall, the idioms "big ol'", "big old", "in a big way", "big fat", and "big bucks" all share a common theme of emphasizing size, magnitude, or significance. These related idioms, including "big ole," add depth and color to the English language, allowing speakers to express themselves with creativity and flair.

Example usage

Examples of how the idiom "big ole" can be used in a sentence:

  • She baked a big ole cake for the party.
  • He caught a big ole fish in the river.
  • They drove a big ole truck to move their belongings.

More "Adverb" idioms