casting couch

[kas-ting kouch, kah-sting]

noun

Informal.

1. a couch in the office of a casting director, supposedly used with actors or actresses who are promised roles in exchange for sexual favors.

2. the supposed practice of casting actors or actresses in exchange for sexual favors.

   young women who have suffered the casting couch.

casting couch

noun

1. informal,  a couch on which a casting director is said to seduce women seeking a part in a film or play

Word History and Origins

Origin of casting couch¹

First recorded in 1930–35