Babylons

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A term referring to the ancient city known for its grandeur, cultural richness, and historical significance in Mesopotamia
2. A reference to a civilization that exemplified wealth and power, often associated with the hanging gardens and its contribution to architecture
3. Used metaphorically to signify a place or system characterized by opulence, ambition, and sometimes moral decay in literature and discourse

Etymology: "Babylons" is simply the plural of "babylon," a noun meaning a city of decadence. The singular form draws on the ancient city of Babylon, whose name had long stood for wickedness and luxury in biblical and later Western writing, so the plural just counts multiple such places. The modern sense owes its popularity to the comedian Sacha Baron Cohen, whose character Ali G, on his satirical television show Da Ali G Show (2000–2004), used the term in a jokey, slangy way that spread it beyond its earlier audience. Whether he coined the usage himself or picked it up from existing speech is not something the record settles, so the exact origin of the slang sense remains open.

Synonyms: cities, metropolises