The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

4.8

SAVE 10% TODAY

Limited Time Offer!

✔ Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.
✔ All-in-one: dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 632 pages, 147 lessons, 428 practical activities.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

Buy on Amazon

Amazon Best Seller:

#1 Spelling & Vocabulary.

#1 Education TOEFL & TOEIC.

#1 Slang & Idiom Reference Books.

Transform Your Vocabulary!

paparazzi

noun

/ˌpapəˈratsəʊ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of paparazzi

A group of photographers who specialize in taking pictures of celebrities, public figures, and other famous people.
"The paparazzi surrounded the politician as he made his way to the car."

Detailed meaning of paparazzi

Typically, paparazzi try to capture candid, unposed shots of their subjects in public places, such as restaurants, hotels, or events. The word 'paparazzi' comes from the name of a character in the film "La Dolce Vita" by Federico Fellini. The character was a photographer who was always trying to get a scoop on the latest celebrity gossip. The paparazzi are often criticized for their invasive and aggressive tactics, which can include stalking, trespassing, and causing disturbances. Despite this, the paparazzi continue to be a fixture in the media landscape, and their photos are often published in tabloids and other entertainment news outlets.

Example sentences containing paparazzi

1. The paparazzi swarmed around the celebrity as she exited the restaurant.
2. The paparazzi followed the famous actor's every move, capturing his private moments.
3. The flashing cameras of the paparazzi blinded the celebrity as she walked down the red carpet.
4. The paparazzi hounded the singer, desperate for a scandalous photo.
5. The paparazzi's invasive tactics often cross the boundaries of privacy.
6. The celebrity hired bodyguards to shield her from the aggressive paparazzi.

History and etymology of paparazzi

The noun 'paparazzi' has an intriguing etymology with Italian origins. It is derived from the surname 'Paparazzo,' which was given to the character Signor Paparazzo, a news photographer in the 1960 film 'La Dolce Vita' directed by Federico Fellini. The term was coined by Fellini's co-screenwriter, Ennio Flaiano. The character Paparazzo was portrayed as an aggressive and intrusive photographer who pursued celebrities to capture candid shots. The name 'Paparazzo' is thought to be a play on the Italian word 'pappataci,' which means 'mosquitoes,' symbolizing the persistent and bothersome nature of these photographers. As the film gained international fame, the term 'paparazzi' became widely associated with photographers who specialize in taking pictures of celebrities and public figures. Thus, the etymology of 'paparazzi' is a testament to the influence of cinema and popular culture on language, with a fictional character's name becoming synonymous with a real-world phenomenon.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the noun paparazzi:

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of paparazzi

1. The paparazzi camped outside the hotel, hoping to get a glimpse of the renowned fashion designer.
2. The actress struggled to maintain a normal life due to the constant presence of the paparazzi.
3. The paparazzi's pursuit of sensational stories often leads to fabricated rumors.
4. The paparazzi's relentless pursuit caused the actress immense stress and anxiety.
5. The celebrity's personal life became tabloid fodder due to the relentless attention of the paparazzi.
6. The paparazzi jostled and pushed to capture the best shot of the famous athlete.
7. The paparazzi's intrusive behavior led to a public outcry for stricter privacy laws.
8. The paparazzi's constant presence made the actor feel like a prisoner in his own home.
9. The paparazzi's photos of the actress sparked a media frenzy and speculation about her personal life.
10. The paparazzi's aggressive tactics have caused physical altercations with celebrities in the past.
11. The celebrity disguised herself to avoid detection by the paparazzi.
12. The paparazzi's insatiable appetite for celebrity gossip fuels the demand for tabloid magazines.
13. The paparazzi's invasive photographs invaded the actress's personal space and violated her privacy.
14. The paparazzi's actions highlight the darker side of fame and the price celebrities pay for it.