Blooper Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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blooper

[ˈbluːpər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

film errors

A blooper is a mistake made during the filming of a movie or television show, often leading to humorous results. These errors can range from actors flubbing their lines to technical mishaps, and are commonly compiled in outtakes. Blooper reels are often shown during the credits of a film or as bonus content in DVDs. They highlight the lighter side of filmmaking and remind audiences that even professionals can make mistakes.

Synonyms

blunder, error, gaffe, mistake.

Examples of usage

  • The blooper reel at the end of the movie had everyone laughing.
  • He made a funny blooper while trying to remember his lines.
  • The television show often airs bloopers during the holiday special.
  • Watching the bloopers made the movie experience even more enjoyable.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Film and Television

  • In film and television, bloopers are often compiled into special segments, providing comedic relief after serious scenes.
  • Popular shows like 'Friends' and 'The Office' have iconic blooper reels that fans enjoy for extra laughs.
  • The 'bloopers' phenomenon has led to its own genre of entertainment, with dedicated programs showing outtakes.

Psychology

  • Laughing at bloopers promotes a sense of community and shared experience among audiences.
  • People often enjoy seeing mistakes because it makes them feel better about their own imperfections.
  • The element of surprise in a blooper can trigger positive emotions and release endorphins, enhancing mood.

Pop Culture

  • The 1980s saw a rise in blooper shows, popularizing the idea that mistakes could be entertaining.
  • Movies like 'Ghostbusters' and 'The Hangover' included famed bloopers that illustrated the lighthearted side of filmmaking.
  • The internet has created a massive platform for sharing blooper reels, making them accessible to millions through YouTube and social media.

Literature

  • Though rarely discussed, the concept of 'blooper' can be seen as a metaphor in storytelling, highlighting characters' flaws.
  • In children's literature, playful mistakes can teach important lessons about learning and growing from errors.
  • Humorous essays and memoirs often include personal bloopers, adding relatability and charm to the writing.

Origin of 'blooper'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'blooper' is believed to have originated in the early 1930s and was often used in film industries.
  • It likely comes from the word 'bloop', which was a sound made by something failing or splashing unexpectedly.
  • Originally, it referred to a sound glitch but evolved to describe humorous mistakes.

The term 'blooper' originated in the early 20th century and is believed to be a variant of the word 'blunder'. It gained popularity in the 1930s when it started to be used in the context of film and television to describe comedic mistakes made during production. The use of 'blooper' became widespread in American entertainment, especially with the advent of television, as producers began to compile these humorous errors into short clips to entertain audiences. This concept evolved into the modern blooper reel, which collects various outtakes and faults from filming. The playful nature of the word reflects its lighthearted association with laughter, making it a staple in the blooper reel tradition.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,246, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.