"The big boards" refers to a term commonly used in finance and investment circles to describe the largest and most highly traded stocks on major stock exchanges. It is essentially synonymous with terms like "blue chips," "mega-cap stocks," or "large-cap stocks." These stocks typically belong to well-established companies with a proven track record of stability and growth, making them attractive to investors seeking both a reliable income stream and long-term capital gains. The big boards often include companies from a diverse array of industries, such as technology, healthcare, energy, and consumer goods, which helps to further diversify investment portfolios.