Paparazzo Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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paparazzo

[หŒpษ‘ห.pษ™หˆrษ‘ห.tsoสŠ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

photography

A freelance photographer who pursues celebrities to take candid photographs of them.

Synonyms

freelancer, photographer, pursuer.

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Word Description / Examples
paparazzo

Used to refer to a photographer who takes pictures of celebrities without their permission, often in an invasive manner. This term typically has a negative connotation.

  • The famous actor was followed by a persistent paparazzo.
  • Paparazzi can be very intrusive in their quest for scandalous photos.
photographer

A general term for someone who takes photographs, either as a hobby or profession. This word does not carry a negative or positive connotation.

  • The wedding photographer captured beautiful moments on their special day.
  • He is a talented photographer known for his landscape shots.
freelancer

Used to describe a person who works independently rather than for a single employer, often in creative industries like writing, design, and photography.

  • As a freelancer, she enjoyed the flexibility to choose her own projects.
  • The magazine hired a freelancer to write the travel article.
pursuer

Used to describe someone who is chasing or following someone or something, often to achieve a specific goal. This term can sometimes have a negative or intense connotation depending on the context.

  • The detective was a relentless pursuer of justice.
  • She felt uneasy knowing she had a pursuer who wouldn't take no for an answer.

Examples of usage

  • He worked as a paparazzo for a celebrity gossip magazine.
  • The paparazzi followed the actress everywhere she went.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Paparazzi have played significant roles in various movies and television shows, often portraying the tension between celebrity life and privacy.
  • The presence of paparazzi has sparked debates about privacy rights, especially following incidents involving figures like Princess Diana.
  • Celebrity scandals often ignite discussions and criticisms towards paparazzi behavior, highlighting ethical dilemmas.

Media Influence

  • The rise of social media has complicated the role of paparazzi, as many celebrities now share their own lives through platforms like Instagram.
  • Paparazzi culture has influenced the way fans view celebrities, mixing admiration with a curious scrutiny of their personal lives.
  • Some celebrities have taken legal action against paparazzi, advocating for clearer laws around privacy in public spaces.

Photography Techniques

  • Paparazzi often use long lenses to capture candid moments from a distance, minimizing their intrusion.
  • They balance stealth and timing, often needing to be in the right place at the right moment.
  • Different types of cameras, like DSLRs and mirrorless systems, are favorably used for their speed and quality in capturing high-resolution images.

Legal Aspects

  • Certain jurisdictions have laws that limit how closely paparazzi can approach individuals, particularly minors.
  • In California, anti-paparazzi laws were introduced to protect celebrities from aggressive photography in their private moments.
  • The balance between the right to the press and an individualโ€™s right to privacy often leads to legal battles involving paparazzi.

Origin of 'paparazzo'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Italian word 'paparazzo', which was first used in Federico Fellini's film 'La Dolce Vita' in 1960.
  • It is derived from the name of a character in the film, a photographer who follows celebrities around.
  • The word has since entered many languages, often retaining the same meaning across cultures.

The term 'paparazzo' originated from the 1960 film 'La Dolce Vita' by Federico Fellini, where a character named Paparazzo was a pushy and intrusive photographer. The word has since become synonymous with photographers who aggressively pursue celebrities for candid photos. The paparazzi culture has sparked debates about privacy and ethics in journalism.


See also: papa.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,832, 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.