Peeping Tom

noun

1. a person who obtains sexual gratification by observing others surreptitiously, especially a man who looks through windows at night.

Peeping Tom

noun

1. a man who furtively observes women undressing; voyeur

peeping Tom

1. One who derives pleasure, usually sexual, from secretly spying on others. (See voyeurism.)

The original “peeping Tom” was a legendary resident of the town where Lady Godiva rode naked through the streets. According to the story, Tom defied official orders by looking out his window as she went by and was struck blind.

Word History and Origins

Origin of peeping Tom¹

First recorded in 1910–15; allusion to the legendary man who peeped at Lady Godiva as she rode naked through Coventry

Word History and Origins

Origin of peeping Tom¹

C19: after the tailor who, according to legend, peeped at Lady Godiva when she rode naked through Coventry

Idioms and Phrases

A person who secretly watches others, especially for sexual gratification; a voyeur. For example, The police caught a peeping Tom right outside their house. This expression, first recorded in 1796, alludes to the legend of the tailor Tom, the only person to watch the naked Lady Godiva as she rode by and who was struck blind for this sin.