couch potato

American  

noun

1. Informal. a person whose leisure time is spent watching television.

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couch potato British  

noun

1. slang a lazy person whose recreation consists chiefly of watching television and videos

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Usage

What does couch potato mean? Couch potato is a slang term for a person who spends a lot of time sitting on the couch watching TV or otherwise lazily lounging and loafing around. Couch potato is often used in a mildly negative way to criticize a person for spending too much time doing this instead of doing more productive activities. But it can also be used in a more neutral way. For example, someone might say they like to relax by spending the weekend as a couch potato. Example: You kids should go outside and play once in a while instead of spending the whole summer watching TV and being couch potatoes!

Etymology

Origin of couch potato

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

If you have more than you need in your checking account, you’re letting your cash become the financial equivalent of a couch potato.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 27, 2026

Of course, nobody knew it at the time because the term couch potato didn’t exist yet.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 22, 2026

Von Scherler Mayer reveres Mary’s youth and vitality while celebrating what would be the dying gasp of an era, telegraphing the ways of Mary’s life to even the most oblivious couch potato.

From Salon • Jun. 9, 2025

“You have permission to be a couch potato, as long as you have electricity so you can watch the tube,” Wexler said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 14, 2025

And be careful with tune and turn: I think I’ll tune in to my favorite TV show and turn into a couch potato.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner