Fame & The Media Vocabulary

Vocabulary, collocations, idioms, and phrasal verbs related to the themes of fame and media as covered in the lecture notes.

achieve a goal/dream

To successfully reach a desired objective or ambition.

any publicity is good publicity

The idea that being talked about is beneficial even if it is for negative reasons.

at the expense of sb/sth

In a way that causes harm or neglect to someone or something else.

be in the spotlight

To receive a great deal of public attention.

celebrity lifestyle

The typical way of life of famous people, often perceived as wealthy or glamorous.

gossip magazines

Publications that focus on the personal lives and scandals of celebrities.

have a negative effect/influence/impact (on)

To result in an unfavorable or harmful outcome for someone or something.

have a positive effect/influence/impact (on)

To result in a favorable or helpful outcome for someone or something.

high-profile celebrity

A person who is very famous and receives significant media coverage.

in private/in public

Terms used to distinguish between actions done away from others versus those done where everyone can see.

in the public eye

Being well-known to the general public through frequent media exposure.

end up

A phrasal verb meaning to eventually arrive in a particular situation or place.

take off

A phrasal verb meaning to suddenly become successful or popular.

invade someone's privacy

To interfere in someone's personal life without their permission.

mainstream media

Traditional broadcasting or publishing companies that reach a wide, general audience.

mass media

Media technologies intended to reach a large audience via mass communication.

online abuse

Harassment, threats, or mistreatment occurring on the internet.

pop idol, sporting idol, etc.

Well-known figures in pop music or sports who are greatly admired by the public.

press intrusion

When journalists or photographers interfere with someone's personal life or privacy.

private life/public life

The distinction between a person's personal existence and their life as a public figure.

public figure

A well-known person who has a certain social position, fame, or influence.

role model

A person whose behavior or success is looked to by others as an example to be imitated.

tabloid journalist

A reporter who writes for sensationalist publications focusing on celebrity gossip and shock stories.

there's no such thing as bad publicity

An idiom suggesting that any media coverage is better than being ignored.

hold up

A phrasal verb meaning to remain strong, valid, or successful over time.

abuse [n]

(Noun) Cruel, violent, or unfair treatment of a person.

admiration [n]

(Noun) A feeling of respect and warm approval for someone.

adopt [v]

(Verb) To begin to use a particular method or show a specific attitude.

adoration [n]

(Noun) Deep love and respect.

avoid [v]

(Verb) To keep away from or stop oneself from doing something, such as media attention.

charisma [n]

(Noun) Compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others.

charitable [adj]

(Adjective) Relating to the assistance of those in need or performing good works.

curious [adj]

(Adjective) Eager to know or learn something.

fame [n]

(Noun) The state of being known or recognized by many people.

fashionable [adj]

(Adjective) Characteristic of or influenced by a current popular style.

glamour [n]

(Noun) An attractive or exciting quality that make people or things seem appealing.

gossip [v]

(Verb) To engage in casual conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true.

imitate [v]

(Verb) To follow as a model or to copy the way someone behaves.

impact [n]

(Noun) A marked effect or influence on someone or something.

inspiration [n]

(Noun) A person or thing that gives someone new and creative ideas.

intensely [adv]

(Adverb) To an extreme degree or with great strength.

interview [v]

(Verb) To ask someone questions for a broadcast or publication.

intrude [v]

(Verb) To put oneself into a place or situation where one is unwelcome or uninvited.

invasion [n]

(Noun) An instance of interrupting someone's privacy in an annoying way.

luxurious [adj]

(Adjective) Extremely comfortable, elegant, or enjoyable, often involving great expense.

privately [adv]

(Adverb) In a manner that does not involve public knowledge or other people.

publicise [v]

(Verb) To make something widely known to the public.

represent [v]

(Verb) To act or speak on behalf of someone else.

scandalous [adj]

(Adjective) Causing general public outrage by a perceived offense against morality or law.

scarcity [n]

(Noun) The state of being in short supply; a shortage.

mis-

A prefix meaning wrongly, badly, or unsuitable.