Who or what does the name "Big Ben" actually refer to?

The Bell, not the clock itself

At 9'-0" diameter, 7'-6" high, and weighing in at 13 tons 10 cwts 3 qtrs 15lbs (13,760 Kg), the hour bell of the Great Clock of Westminster - known worldwide as 'Big Ben' - is the most famous bell ever cast at Whitechapel.

Originally, the nickname applied solely to the clock's main bell. With time, it came to designate the whole tower.

The bell was never officially named, but the legend on it records that the commissioner of works, Sir Benjamin Hall, was responsible for the order; another theory is that the bell may have been named after heavyweight boxer Benjamin Caunt who was popular at the time. There's also a story that the bell was to be called "Victoria" in honour of Queen Victoria, but the ceremonial speeches went on so long that some joker shouted out "Oh just call it Big Ben and have done with it!"

The name Big Ben actually refers not to the clock-tower itself, but to the thirteen ton bell hung within. The bell was named after the first commissioner of works, Sir Benjamin Hall.

One of three things (listed in order of importance to me)

1.) "Big Ben" Roethlisberger - Pittsburgh Steelers QB

2.) "Big Ben" Wallace - Chicago Bulls C

3.) "Big Ben" - the first one, the clock tower in London, UK

Originally the clock at the British Parliament in London

"Big Ben" refers to the bell, not the clock or the tower.

Most people think that it is the clock in the London watch tower but actually it is the tower itself which houses the clock.

It is the bell inside the Clock tower at Westminster

ben R. ben wallace and some clock tower in london or something like that i think

It's a famous clock tower in London. It's at Buckingham Palace.