noun

casting couch

KAHST-ing kowch

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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.”

noun

informal 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.

"The investigation exposed a casting couch culture that had gone unchallenged for decades."

"She spoke publicly about refusing the casting couch early in her career."

How to use casting couch

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishWhen someone with power over film or theatre casting demands sex in exchange for a part.

When to use it

Journalistic and informal; the phrase names an abuse, so treat it carefully rather than as a joke.

Memory tip

The phrase is used with the definite article far more often than in the plural.

Easily confused with

cattle call open casting

Common pairings

casting couch culture the casting couch casting couch allegations

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “casting couch” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The investigation exposed a _____ culture that had gone unchallenged for decades.

Synonyms

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quid pro quo abuse sexual coercion

Rhymes for casting couch

ouch touch couch pouch vouch touché crouch slouch grouch

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.