bigg: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowArchaic / Dialectal / Historical
Quick answer
What does “bigg” mean?
A dialectal or archaic variant of 'big', meaning large in size, important, or grown-up.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A dialectal or archaic variant of 'big', meaning large in size, important, or grown-up.
A historical or regional spelling of 'big', sometimes used in surnames (e.g., Biggs) or place names. In some contexts, it can be a verb meaning to build or dwell (from Old Norse 'byggja').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'bigg' may occasionally be found in historical or regional dialect writing. In American English, it is virtually non-existent except in surnames of British origin.
Connotations
Old-fashioned, rustic, or literary if encountered.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties, with slightly higher historical attestation in UK texts.
Grammar
How to Use “bigg” in a Sentence
ADJ + N (a bigg tree)VERB + ADJ (grow bigg)ADV + ADJ (very bigg)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bigg” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They sought to bigg a new hall upon the hill. (archaic)
adverb
British English
- He talked bigg, but did little. (dialectal)
adjective
British English
- The old manuscript described a 'bigg oak' standing alone.
American English
- The family name Biggs is derived from this older form.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical linguistics or textual analysis of older works.
Everyday
Not used in standard modern English.
Technical
No technical usage.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bigg”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bigg”
- Using 'bigg' in modern writing.
- Pronouncing it differently from 'big'.
- Assuming it has a distinct meaning.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not a standard modern English word. It is an archaic or dialectal variant of 'big'.
No, unless you are writing historical fiction or dialect dialogue and have a specific reason to use the archaic form.
No, it is pronounced identically to the modern word 'big' (/bɪɡ/).
Surnames often preserve older spellings. 'Biggs' likely derives from a Middle English possessive form or variant like 'Bigg's' (son of Bigg) or the dialectal 'bigg'.
A dialectal or archaic variant of 'big', meaning large in size, important, or grown-up.
Bigg is usually archaic / dialectal / historical in register.
Bigg: in British English it is pronounced /bɪɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɪɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “bigg cheese (archaic variant of 'big cheese')”
- “too bigg for one's boots”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'bigg' as 'big' with an extra 'g' for 'gone' – it's a mostly gone, old-fashioned way to spell 'big'.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPORTANCE IS SIZE / GROWTH IS UP (e.g., 'bigg plans', 'grow bigg').
Practice
Quiz
In which context might you legitimately encounter the word 'bigg'?