We all have things we secretly enjoy but don’t always admit to others—this is what people call a “guilty pleasure.” It could be a TV show, a type of food, or even a song you listen to on repeat. In this article, we’ll explain the meaning, origin, and how to use the phrase guilty pleasure in everyday English.
Guilty Pleasure Meaning
What Does “Guilty Pleasure” Mean?
A guilty pleasure is something you enjoy doing, watching, eating, or listening to, but you might feel slightly embarrassed about admitting it.
It’s not really “bad,” but it’s something you think others might judge you for.
Examples:
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Watching reality TV shows
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Eating junk food late at night
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Listening to cheesy pop songs
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Playing silly phone games
So, in short:
👉 Guilty pleasure = a secret or slightly embarrassing enjoyment.
Where Did the Term “Guilty Pleasure” Come From?
The phrase “guilty pleasure” has been used in English since the 1980s–1990s, mostly in pop culture and lifestyle writing.
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“Guilty” = feeling bad or embarrassed
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“Pleasure” = something enjoyable
Put together, it means something enjoyable that you feel a little guilty about liking.
It became popular in magazines, movie reviews, and music criticism, then spread widely on TV and the internet.
Who Uses the Phrase “Guilty Pleasure”?
The phrase is commonly used by:
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Everyday people → talking about food, movies, or hobbies
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Pop culture fans → when discussing music, shows, or trends
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Writers and journalists → in entertainment articles and reviews
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Friends → jokingly, when admitting something they secretly love
How to Pronounce “Guilty Pleasure”
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Guilty = /ˈɡɪl.ti/
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Pleasure = /ˈpleʒ.ər/
Together: /ˈɡɪl.ti ˈpleʒ.ər/
Sounds like: “gill-tee pleh-zher.”
When and How to Use “Guilty Pleasure”
You can use “guilty pleasure” when talking about things you secretly love but think others might judge you for.
Common Situations
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Food
“Chocolate cake is my guilty pleasure.”
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TV or Movies
“Watching soap operas is such a guilty pleasure for me.”
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Music
“That boyband is my guilty pleasure.”
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Daily Habits
“Scrolling TikTok at midnight is my guilty pleasure.”
Example Sentences
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“Pizza is my biggest guilty pleasure.”
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“She admitted that her guilty pleasure is reality TV.”
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“Listening to 90s pop songs is my guilty pleasure.”
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“Playing video games all night is his guilty pleasure.”
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“Shopping online is a guilty pleasure I can’t resist.”
Similar Phrases
There are other ways to express the idea of a guilty pleasure:
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Secret indulgence | Something you enjoy in private |
| Hidden obsession | Something you’re hooked on but don’t show others |
| Not-so-proud habit | Something you enjoy but feel embarrassed about |
| Personal weakness | Something tempting you can’t resist |
| Shameful treat | A playful way of saying guilty pleasure |
Guilty Pleasure in Pop Culture
The phrase is often used in entertainment:
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Music: Fans call certain cheesy songs their guilty pleasures.
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Movies: Films like rom-coms or teen dramas are often called guilty pleasures.
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TV Shows: Reality shows such as Keeping Up With the Kardashians are common examples.
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Food Blogs: Writers describe sweets, fast food, and snacks as guilty pleasures.
It’s a fun way to admit your secret likes without being too serious.
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