• This term refers to the signage used to display the number of a Housing & Development Board (HDB) building in Singapore. In order to ensure visibility from afar, the numbers are designed to be large and prominent, hence their name “大牌” (literally translated as “big signboard”).
• The term also refers figuratively to successful or famous professionals, such as a “大牌律师” (“big-shot lawyer”). It can also be used to describe arrogant or snobbish people.

Some residents were unaware of the change in the block number. Mdm Gan, 70, who has lived here for eight years, was shocked to hear this from the reporter. She said she did not notice it at all and found it hard to understand why the block number was being changed. (Lianhe Wanbao, 17/12/2008)