Showing definitions for guilty pleasure

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Slang dictionary results for guilty pleasure

guilty pleasure

American  

[gil-tee plezh-er] / ˈgɪl ti ˈplɛʒ ər /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of guilty pleasure

First recorded in 1680–90

Example Sentences

It’s my guilty pleasure and helps me unwind.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

And yet, “Frankenstein” was met with an air of prestige, while “Wuthering Heights” has been treated like a guilty pleasure.

From Salon • Feb. 23, 2026

When we decided to rank the best Los Angeles movies, we thought 101 titles would be plenty: room enough for undeniable classics, personal obsessions, even a guilty pleasure or two.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026

It is very much a guilty pleasure of mine.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 1, 2025

“The life of a scythe would be dreadful if we didn’t allow ourselves the guilty pleasure of a hobby. Mine is cooking.”

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman