Word: Brer Rabbit
Definition:
"Brer Rabbit" is a fictional character, a clever and tricky rabbit who appears in stories that were supposedly told by a character named Uncle Remus. These tales were first published in 1880. Brer Rabbit is known for outsmarting larger animals, often getting into trouble but always finding a way to escape.
Usage Instructions:
- "Brer Rabbit" is a noun and is used to refer specifically to this character from folklore. When talking about stories that involve Brer Rabbit, you can use his name to discuss his cleverness or the moral lessons in the tales.
Example Sentence:
"The story of Brer Rabbit teaches us that intelligence can be more powerful than strength."
Advanced Usage:
In literature and discussions about American folklore, "Brer Rabbit" can also symbolize cleverness and resourcefulness. You might hear someone say, "He’s a real Brer Rabbit in his negotiations," meaning he uses his wit to navigate tricky situations.
Word Variants:
- "Brer" is a dialectal form of "brother," often used in African American Vernacular English (AAVE). - The tales themselves are sometimes referred to as "Brer Rabbit tales."
Different Meanings:
While "Brer Rabbit" primarily refers to the character from the stories, it can also represent themes of cunning and survival in various contexts. However, it does not have multiple meanings like some other words might.
Synonyms:
There are no direct synonyms for "Brer Rabbit" since it's a specific character. However, you might consider terms like "trickster" or "clever animal" when discussing similar themes in folklore.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
While there are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "Brer Rabbit," the concept of a "trickster" in folklore can relate to various sayings about cunning or cleverness, such as "outsmarting the competition."
In Summary:
Brer Rabbit is a clever and tricky rabbit from American folklore known for outsmarting other animals.