Biggie

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A considerable occurrence or individual that is particularly significant in its context
2. A notable or influential individual or event that holds great significance in a particular setting
3. Someone or something regarded as major or of high status within a certain group or circumstance

Etymology: "Biggie" is formed simply by adding the diminutive-style suffix "-ie" to "big," producing a friendly, informal label for something or someone important. The "-ie" ending is the same one found in words like "sweetie," "movie," and "hippie," where it gives a casual, affectionate tone to an existing word. The noun sense shows how easily this kind of informal formation can shift meaning. Starting from the plain idea of something large, the word moved toward describing a person or event that stands out in a particular setting, so that a "biggie" might be the most powerful figure in a company or the headline event of a season. The shift is a natural extension of size into significance, the same jump that lets English speakers call a major issue "a big deal."

Synonyms: important thing, big deal, significant event

Antonyms: insignificant, minor