During this quake and the 1989 quake, I was near the epicenter each time. Both quakes shook me hard enough to make me think "this is the end". By the way, I have consciously felt at least 40 quakes in my lifetime.

As far as I'm concerned, any earthquake that kills people is "The Big One". A quake that kills you or a family member will certainly be the The Big One to you. It doesn't get any bigger than death.