guilty pleasure

[gil-tee plezh-er]

noun

1. an activity, habit, food, etc., that a person feels shame or guilt for enjoying, often because they feel they will be judged by others.

   TV shows meant for teens are a guilty pleasure many adults just can't get enough of.

   Eating healthfully is important, but treating yourself to a guilty pleasure from time to time is definitely not a crime.

Word History and Origins

Origin of guilty pleasure¹

First recorded in 1680–90