LOOK UP THE WORD “big” in my 2003 Webster’s New World Thesaurus (which really isn’t all that new), and I find the word “huge.” I am not surprised. These are synonyms, something the average person would likely understand.
But apparently not everyone recognizes the sameness. Like the person who recently posted a BIG HUGE SALE sign at a busy Faribault intersection.
Writer and English minor that I am, I noted the message redundancy. Then I took a photo through the windshield from the right passenger side of our 2005 Dodge Caravan (which is nearly as old as my thesaurus).
If anything, the sign creator accomplished his/her objective and that was to get passersby to take notice. I hope the sale was a BIG HUGE success.
© Copyright 2023 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Myself, I often wonder why there are so many huges on the market.
That word does seem to be used often in marketing.
that is so funny, maybe they thought using one or the other wouldn’t be enough to lure buyers there )
You may be right on that line of thinking.
I like it! Got my attention!
I bet it got lots of people’s attention.
I had to chuckle – plus the sign is not that big or huge – could have covered more of that pole – ha! I am just joking. This was one of those posts that MADE MY DAY – thanks! Happy Day – Enjoy
Happy to have made your day. 🙂
As the executor of an estate, I recently found a set of vehicle license plates. The plate “number” is simply, “A LOT.” My assumption was that it referred to the cost of the vehicle, but when asking the family, they laughed. The owner had been an English teacher and writer, who was well known for pointing out that “a lot” is two words.
I absolutely love this story.
That’s awesome
Although I appreciate your comment, Randy, you know how much I dislike the word “awesome.” It ought to be banned.
😂🤣 Just Hummmm…funny. Thanks for sharing.
I thought you would appreciate this sign, Paula. It would fit well with your Hummmmm feature.
Very true.
I love it when people enjoy playing with words, I think it shows a love of language. I’d shout at the TV if that phrase was used in a hard-sell advert, but find it funny on a home made sign. The same with slang and idioms, even made up words- they make for colourful images. Not awesome though- I’m with you there.
Yes, the redundant words were likely attention grabbers. “Awesome” is overused and meaningless. What does awesome mean anyway?