casting couch
Casting couch (noun) means the practice by which someone in a position to award acting roles demands sexual favours from a performer in return, used as a byword for that kind of abuse of power in the entertainment industry. Example: “The investigation exposed a casting couch culture that had gone unchallenged for decades.”
How to use casting couch
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWhen someone with power over film or theatre casting demands sex in exchange for a part.
Journalistic and informal; the phrase names an abuse, so treat it carefully rather than as a joke.
The phrase is used with the definite article far more often than in the plural.
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The investigation exposed a _____ culture that had gone unchallenged for decades.
Synonyms
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See all rhymes for casting couch →Frequently asked questions
Is the casting couch a real piece of furniture?
The term originally alluded to a couch in a producer's private office, but it is used figuratively. Nobody today is describing an item of furniture when they use the phrase.
Does the casting couch only apply to film?
It began as a film and theatre term but is now applied to music, modelling, television and any field where one person controls access to work and exploits that control.
Is casting couch a legal term?
No. The conduct it describes is generally covered in law by sexual harassment, coercion or quid pro quo discrimination, depending on the jurisdiction.
What is the meaning of casting couch?
"casting couch" (noun) means the practice by which someone in a position to award acting roles demands sexual favours from a performer in return, used as a byword for that kind of abuse of power in the entertainment industry.