Celebrity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Pop Culture

• The rise of social media has transformed ordinary individuals into celebrities, a phenomenon known as 'influencers.'
• The first-ever celebrity endorsement dates back to the 1770s when Josiah Wedgwood used Queen Charlotte to promote his pottery.
• Reality television has significantly expanded the definition of celebrity, allowing average people to gain fame overnight.

Psychology

• Research shows that people often experience feelings of admiration or envy towards celebrities, affecting their self-esteem.
• The phenomenon known as 'celebrity worship syndrome' describes an unhealthy obsession with famous individuals.
• Studies indicate that celebrities can influence public behavior and opinions significantly, especially among young audiences.

Literature

• Celebrity culture is a common theme in modern literature, exploring the lives and experiences of famous individuals.
• Novels such as 'American Psycho' by Bret Easton Ellis critique celebrity culture, linking societal values to fame and excess.
• Many autobiographies by celebrities reveal the pressures and expectations that come with fame, shedding light on their personal struggles.

History

• In ancient Rome, gladiators were considered celebrities, adored by the public much like modern-day sports stars.
• During the 19th century, figures like P.T. Barnum capitalized on celebrity status through various spectacles and shows.
• The concept of celebrity as we know it began to take shape in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the explosion of the film industry.

Main points about word origin

• The word 'celebrity' comes from the Latin word 'celebritas,' which means fame or state of being well-known.
• It first appeared in English in the 15th century, originally referring to the quality of being celebrated, rather than the person themselves.
• The term evolved to refer specifically to people who are famous in society, particularly in the 20th century.

The term 'celebrity' originated in the late 14th century from the Middle English word 'celebrite' which means 'solemn rite or observance'. It later evolved to refer to a famous or well-known person in the 19th century. The concept of celebrity has become increasingly prominent with the rise of mass media and pop culture in the 20th and 21st centuries.

See also: celebrate, celebrated, celebrating, celebration, celebrations, celebratory, uncelebrated.

Ranked #11,773, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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