Peepshow Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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peepshow
[ˈpiːpʃoʊ ]
Definition
entertainment venue
A peepshow is a type of entertainment in which viewers can observe nude or semi-nude performers through small openings or screens. This form of amusement originated in the 17th century and was popularized in various forms in the 19th and early 20th centuries. In modern usage, the term can also refer to a private viewing booth at adult entertainment establishments, where patrons can pay to watch performances. The concept often evokes a sense of voyeurism, as the audience is typically unseen. While historically linked to adult entertainment, the term has also been used in a more whimsical or comedic context in popular culture.
Synonyms
adult entertainment, burlesque, cabaret, striptease.
Examples of usage
- They visited a peepshow on their trip.
- The peepshow was more shocking than they expected.
- He joked about the peepshow while telling the story.
- In the past, peepshows were quite common.
- She was curious about the peepshow they heard about.
Translations
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Origin of 'peepshow'
The term 'peepshow' has its origins in the 17th century, deriving from the act of 'peeping' or looking through a small hole or window to observe something. Initially, peepshows were simple devices much like modern magic lanterns. They featured images or scenes that would be illuminated and viewed through a keyhole-sized opening. These early iterations were popular in parlors and fairs, and over time evolved into attractions that featured live performances, particularly as morality standards began to relax in the 19th century. The Victorian era saw a rise in the popularity of such spectacles, where the peepshow became synonymous with adult entertainment. As society's views on sexuality and voyeurism shifted, the peepshow adapted, becoming a fixture in not only seedier areas but also within more mainstream entertainment outlets, leaving a lasting impact on cultural perceptions of adult-themed performances.