What is matinee idol? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of matinee idol in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of matinee idol

matinee idolnoun

thần tượng buổi sáng

/ˈmætɪneɪ aɪdl//ˌmætnˈeɪ aɪdl/

Where does the word matinee idol come from?

The term "matinee idol" originated in the early 20th century in the theater industry, specifically in the USA. A matinee performance was a daytime, afternoon show that gained popularity during that time, especially with female theatergoers. The idea was that women could attend a matinee show during the daytime and still catch their train or buses to get back to work or home in the evening. Matinee performances were often centered around popular actors, specifically male actors who appeared in these afternoon shows, leading to the expression "matinee idol" to describe them. This expression was a playful reference to the term "idol," which originally meant an object of religious worship, to describe these actors. Matinee idiols were known for their heart-throb appeal and good looks, becoming fashion icons and sex symbols of the time. As the film industry emerged and became popular in the mid-1900s, matinee idiols transitioned to the big screen, making their mark as romantic leading men in movies. The term "matinee idol" has since remained, in both theater and film, to describe popular, handsome actors who capture the hearts of audience members.

Example of vocabulary matinee idolnamespace

meaning

technology that allows a computer to identify a voice

  • the computer's voice recognition capability
meaning

technology that allows a computer to understand spoken words


Comment ()