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Originally Posted by jiang Dear teachers,
I have come to the expressions such as 'baby hill', 'baby carrot' and 'grandfather clock'. I guess 'baby' means 'small' and 'grandfather' means 'old' or 'big'.
I have four questions to ask: 1. What's the difference between 'small' and 'baby', 'grandfather' and 'big'? 2. Is there cutural background behind the use of 'baby' and 'grandfather'? 3. What is the size of 'baby', between
minute and small or between small and big? 4. I have a feeling if we use 'baby' and 'grandfather' we put emotion/affection into them. Am I right?
I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Thank you in advance.
Jiang |
A grandfather clock is a particular kind of clock. It is big, but that is not what "grandfather" means there. There are also new grandfather clocks.
We don't usually use "grandfather" for big or old. It can be used to imply experience. however. One can say "John is sort of the grandfather of the group." That would mean he has been with the group for a long time and probably has much information to share.
We do sometimes use "baby" a substitute for small or little. Baby steps are small steps. Baby carrots are small carrots. There is not added affection in most cases. "Baby" would just mean smaller than a normal variety.
baby and grandfather 
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