I will never turn on the “Big Light.” The term has become shorthand for any overhead, flush-mounted light — especially a boob light, especially one with a glaring, cool, too-bright tone. I’m not the only one — as Luke Winkie reported for Slate, the Big Light is polarizing, and it’s become a source of domestic discord between partners and roommates, some of whom see turning on the Big Light as an act of war.
Can’t argue with that. But diffused lighting can be bright, it doesn’t have to be a billion candlewatt spotlight directly overhead. Can lights are just cheap and look shiny in the for sale listings.