The great American middle class

Question

When you say "Tell the great American middle class...." What does "great" mean here?Does it mean "important" or "large in number" or others?Thank you for your help.

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,
When you say "Tell the great American middle class.."
What does "great" mean here?
Does it mean "important" or "large in number" or others?
Thank you for your help.

On the surface, it seems to mean 'important'. But really, it sounds to me that the speaker is just being slightly ironic.

Possibly an American here might wish to offer a slightly different interpretation.

Best wishes, Clive

Delmobile · Answer

Speaking as an American, I can't really tell from this snip exactly which meaning of "great" the speaker/writer intends, let alone whether irony is intended. The middle class -- those who work to produce and also earn enough to consume significantly -- is often said to be responsible for America's economic success. Furthermore, "middle class values" (hard work, personal responsibility, mainstream religious belief) are also supposed to contribute to America's strength as a nation.
It does seem as if the speaker/writer may be intending to slight the middle class, but I can't tell for sure.

Philip · Answer

Basically, I agree with Del, including the possibility of the slighting.

The great American middle class

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