HUDDLED MASSES Meaning and
Definition
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The phrase "huddled masses" refers to a diverse group of individuals who are gathered closely together in a cramped or confined space. The term is frequently used to describe people who are seeking refuge or migrating to another country, often fleeing from distressing circumstances in their home nations.
The origin of the phrase can be traced back to the iconic poem "The New Colossus" by Emma Lazarus, which was written in 1883 and became famously associated with the Statue of Liberty. The poem describes the Statue as a symbol of hope and freedom, inviting the "huddled masses" to seek shelter and opportunity in the United States. In this context, "huddled masses" represents a metaphor for the downtrodden and oppressed, emphasizing the compassion and openness of the host society.
The term has come to resonate beyond its initial connection to the United States, symbolizing the plight and aspirations of immigrants around the world. It emphasizes the notion of individuals gathered together in search of a better life, often facing adversity or hardships along the way. "Huddled masses" is a poignant expression of human struggle, resilience, and the yearning for a brighter future.
Overall, "huddled masses" represents a collective of individuals, typically migrants or refugees, who are gathered closely together, seeking refuge and a better life. The term encapsulates the universal struggles and aspirations of those who leave their homes in search of safety, freedom, and opportunity.
Common Misspellings for HUDDLED MASSES
- guddled masses
- buddled masses
- nuddled masses
- juddled masses
- uuddled masses
- yuddled masses
- hyddled masses
- hhddled masses
- hjddled masses
- hiddled masses
- h8ddled masses
- h7ddled masses
- husdled masses
- huxdled masses
- hucdled masses
- hufdled masses
- hurdled masses
- huedled masses
- hudsled masses
- hudxled masses
Etymology of HUDDLED MASSES
The term "huddled masses" comes from a line in Emma Lazarus's famous sonnet "The New Colossus", which was written in 1883. The full line is "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free". The word "huddled" refers to people crowded closely together, while "masses" refers to a large number of individuals. The phrase as a whole paints a vivid picture of a group of people gathered closely together, perhaps seeking refuge or a better life. It was later inscribed on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty in 1903, emphasizing its association with immigration and the welcoming of people to the United States.
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