guilty pleasure

[ gil-tee plezh-er ]

/ ˈgɪl ti ˈplɛʒ ər /

Save This Word!

noun

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.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of guilty pleasure

First recorded in 1680–90

Words nearby guilty pleasure

guilt, guilt by association, guiltless, guilt trip, guilty, guilty pleasure, guimpe, Guin., guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea corn

How to use guilty pleasure in a sentence

My body used for his hard pleasure; a stone god gripping me in his hands.
‘A Gronking to Remember’ Speed Read: 8 Naughtiest Bits|Emily Shire|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Pleasure shoots magically in every direction like an explosion of sparks.
‘A Gronking to Remember’ Speed Read: 8 Naughtiest Bits|Emily Shire|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
I had the pleasure of meeting Stuart Scott several years ago.
Remembering ESPN’s Sly, Cocky, and Cool Anchor Stuart Scott|Stereo Williams|January 4, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Slowly, slowly, dance classes may cease to be such secret and guilty pleasures in Iran.
Iran’s Becoming a Footloose Nation as Dance Lessons Spread|IranWire|January 2, 2015|DAILY BEAST

They were found guilty of practicing habitual debauchery and inciting others to sexual deviance because of the footage.
Sisi Is Persecuting, Prosecuting, and Publicly Shaming Egypt’s Gays|Bel Trew|December 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
A flash of surprise and pleasure lit the fine eyes of the haughty beauty perched up there on the palace wall.
The Red Year|Louis Tracy
Big Reginald took their lives at pool, and pocketed their half-crowns in an easy genial way, which almost made losing a pleasure.
The Pit Town Coronet, Volume I (of 3)|Charles James Wills
He saw with evident pleasure the outward and visible signs of the old earl's immense wealth.
The Pit Town Coronet, Volume I (of 3)|Charles James Wills
As Felipe approached, the old man's face beamed with pleasure, and he came forward totteringly, leaning on a staff in each hand.
Ramona|Helen Hunt Jackson
He used to walk through the park, and note with pleasure the care that his father bestowed on the gigantic property.
The Pit Town Coronet, Volume I (of 3)|Charles James Wills