The great silent majority. Meaning, origin, examples of the use of phraseological units

Free technical library

WINGED WORDS, PHRASEOLOGICAL UNITS
Directory / Winged words, phraseological units / Great Silent Majority

Winged words, phraseological units. Meaning, history of origin, examples of use

Winged words, phraseological units

Directory / Winged words, phraseological units

Comments on the article

Great Silent Majority

Richard Nixon

Phraseologism: The great silent majority.

Meaning: The majority of citizens of the country who do not directly participate in political activities, in contrast to the politically active minority organizing demonstrations, pickets, rallies, etc. Nevertheless, this majority has its own position, and it expresses it in elections, thus determining the fate of its countries.

Origin: From English: The Great Silent Majority. From a television speech (November 3, 1969) by the 37th President of the United States (1969-1974) Richard Nixon (1913-1994). The US administration waged a war in Vietnam, whose opponents planned to hold an anti-war march on Washington. Wanting to emphasize that the demonstrators are not the entire American people, Nixon called for "the great silent majority of Americans" to support the president. The opposition of the "speaking minority" to the "silent majority" has been encountered before, for example, in John F. Kennedy. The demonstrators ironically commented on the president's call, using a different meaning of the expression. In ancient authors (Plavt, Petronius), "to join the majority" meant "to die", therefore, in English literature, "great" or "silent majority" often referred to all the dead. The opponents of the war marched on Washington, and many of them carried posters with a picture of the cross-studded Arlington National Cemetery (where those killed in the line of duty are buried) and the signature: "The silent majority."

Random phraseology:

Smerdyakov.

Meaning:

A common noun for a person who hopes to receive material benefits and a comfortable social life not at the cost of his own efforts, but already prepared, from the hands of foreigners, who does not understand that the successes of other states in their improvement are caused by precisely what he is in a hurry to give up, - developed self-esteem of its citizens (contempt.).

Origin:

The character of the novel "The Brothers Karamazov" (1880) by F. M. Dostoevsky (1821-1881). Smerdyakov argues as follows: "In the twelfth year there was a great invasion of Russia by the Emperor Napoleon of France, the first, and it would be good if these very French had conquered us then, a smart nation would have conquered a very stupid one, sir, and annexed it. There would even have been completely different orders" . Apparently, it was not by chance that the author of the novel paid tribute to the archaic, endowing, according to the literary tradition of the XNUMXth century, the hero of the "speaking", that is, the surname characterizing a person - Smerdyakov. From the word "smerd", which meant in Ancient and, later, in Moscow Russia - a slave, a serf. Hence the "smerdyakovism" - the worldview, philosophy, argumentation of people who reason in this way (contempt.).

We recommend interesting articles Section Winged words, phraseological units:

▪ The Truth in Wine

▪ Bow to what you burned, burn what you worshiped

▪ And Vaska listens and eats

See other articles Section Winged words, phraseological units.

Read and write useful comments on this article.

<< Back

Latest news of science and technology, new electronics:

Artificial leather for touch emulation 15.04.2024

In a modern technology world where distance is becoming increasingly commonplace, maintaining connection and a sense of closeness is important. Recent developments in artificial skin by German scientists from Saarland University represent a new era in virtual interactions. German researchers from Saarland University have developed ultra-thin films that can transmit the sensation of touch over a distance. This cutting-edge technology provides new opportunities for virtual communication, especially for those who find themselves far from their loved ones. The ultra-thin films developed by the researchers, just 50 micrometers thick, can be integrated into textiles and worn like a second skin. These films act as sensors that recognize tactile signals from mom or dad, and as actuators that transmit these movements to the baby. Parents' touch to the fabric activates sensors that react to pressure and deform the ultra-thin film. This ... >>

Petgugu Global cat litter 15.04.2024

Taking care of pets can often be a challenge, especially when it comes to keeping your home clean. A new interesting solution from the Petgugu Global startup has been presented, which will make life easier for cat owners and help them keep their home perfectly clean and tidy. Startup Petgugu Global has unveiled a unique cat toilet that can automatically flush feces, keeping your home clean and fresh. This innovative device is equipped with various smart sensors that monitor your pet's toilet activity and activate to automatically clean after use. The device connects to the sewer system and ensures efficient waste removal without the need for intervention from the owner. Additionally, the toilet has a large flushable storage capacity, making it ideal for multi-cat households. The Petgugu cat litter bowl is designed for use with water-soluble litters and offers a range of additional ... >>

The attractiveness of caring men 14.04.2024

The stereotype that women prefer "bad boys" has long been widespread. However, recent research conducted by British scientists from Monash University offers a new perspective on this issue. They looked at how women responded to men's emotional responsibility and willingness to help others. The study's findings could change our understanding of what makes men attractive to women. A study conducted by scientists from Monash University leads to new findings about men's attractiveness to women. In the experiment, women were shown photographs of men with brief stories about their behavior in various situations, including their reaction to an encounter with a homeless person. Some of the men ignored the homeless man, while others helped him, such as buying him food. A study found that men who showed empathy and kindness were more attractive to women compared to men who showed empathy and kindness. ... >>

Random news from the Archive

Horizontal wind turbine 15.12.2010

The British company Wind Power is designing a wind power generator, the impeller of which is copied from a maple seed rotating in flight.

This configuration, according to engineers, will be able to use the air flow most efficiently. The rotor of an unusual shape and a diameter of 275 meters will be installed on a vertical axis in the sea, where its rotation will not interfere with anyone.

Other interesting news:

▪ Quantum switches controlled by single photons

▪ Cigarettes and alcohol lead to dementia

▪ The smell of rain

▪ Dehydrated mosquitoes bite more often

▪ Solar sunflowers to illuminate cities

News feed of science and technology, new electronics

Interesting materials of the Free Technical Library:

▪ site section Infrared technology. Article selection

▪ article Tamm Igor. Biography of a scientist

▪ article Which animal prompted runners to start from a low start? Detailed answer

▪ article Operator of a lifting electric winch. Standard instruction on labor protection

▪ article Small-size antennas of portable stations of SV communication. Part 2. Encyclopedia of radio electronics and electrical engineering

▪ article Experiments with magnetic needles. physical experiment

Leave your comment on this article:

All languages of this page

Home page | Library | Articles | Website map | Site Reviews