amateur night

American  

noun

1. an entertainment featuring amateur performers, often in competition for prizes.

2. Informal. an example of or situation marked by flagrant ineptitude.

   Critics say it's been amateur night at the embassy since the new ambassador took over.

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Etymology

Origin of amateur night

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

amateur night

She eventually turned a flirtation with one of her customers, who worked at the Apollo, into a slot for the Ronettes at its legendary amateur night.

From The Guardian ● Dec. 12, 2019

There’s more to stand-up in Harlem than the long-running amateur night at the Apollo Theater, as this celebration aims to demonstrate in the coming week at places such as Under Bar and the Chipped Cup.

From New York Times ● Sep. 19, 2019

Graham heard him sing at an amateur night performance and took him under his wing.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 13, 2019

In 1967, Mr. Jackson drove his sons to New York in a Volkswagen van to compete in amateur night at the Apollo, the Harlem theater long known as a springboard for emerging talent.

From Washington Post ● Jun. 27, 2018

Then as a one-man band he competed with others at a movie house on amateur night.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith