Definition of the word idiot board

The term "idiot board" refers to a large sign or display used in live theater, television studios, and other performance settings. It is also sometimes called a broadcast teleprompter, as its primary function is to display instructions or cues to individuals speaking or performing on stage or in front of a camera. The origin of the term "idiot board" is somewhat colloquial and not entirely clear. Some consider it to be a humorous reference to the mistaken idea that actors or performers are "idiots" who need to be "spoon-fed" their lines or cues. In other words, the board served as a tool to help "idiotic" performers remember their lines and deliver them correctly. Alternatively, some suggest the term may be derived from the use of simple graphic symbols and labels on the board, which could be seen as reminiscent of childlike drawings or "idiot" simplifications. Regardless of its origin, the term "idiot board" has been in use since at least the 1950s and is still widely recognized in the entertainment industry today. While some have begun to use more politically correct terms like "teleprompter" or "prompting display," the term "idiot board" remains a colloquial and often amusing shorthand that helps to distinguish this important tool from similar devices used in other contexts.