Movie Slang: If a movie is a bomb, should you go or not?
by "Slangman" David Burke
One of America's favorite pastimes is going to the movies. But in order to decide on which movie to go see or avoid entirely, we typically rely on either word-of-mouth ("the opinions of other people") or the press ("the news media"). But what happens when you can't understand their opinions because of all the movie slang being used to describe it? Slangman to the rescue! This list is destined to turn you into a Hollywood insider ("someone who understands the entertainment business")!
(excerpts from The Slangman Guide to STREET SPEAK 1)
1. bomb = a complete failure (said of a movie, play, etc.)
In context:
I can't believe I spent money on that bomb! It was the worst movie I've ever seen!
In Slangman's "Real Speak":
I can't believe I spent money on that bomb! It w'z the worst movie I've ever seen!
2. a sellout = said of a performance for which all the tickets have been sold.
In context:
The play I saw last night was fantastic. It was a sellout! There wasn't a single empty seat in the entire theater!
In Slangman's "Real Speak":
The play I saw las' night w'z fantastic. It w'z a sellout! There wasn' a single empty seat 'n the entire theeder!
3. to be unable to act one's way out of a paper bag = to be a terrible actor
In context:
How did that guy ever get a part in a major movie?! He can't act his way out of a paper bag!
In Slangman's "Real Speak":
How did that guy ever ged a pard in a major movie?! He can' act 'is way oud 'ev a paper bag!
4. Sleeper = a success after starting slowly
In context:
The movie Bob starred in was a bomb at first, but it turned into a sleeper! It's already made a million dollars in just two weeks!
In Slangman's "Real Speak":
The movie Bob starred in w'z a bomb 'it first, bud it turned into a sleeper! It's already made a million dollars 'n jus' two weeks!
5. to plug = to promote
In context:
I've already seen Tom Cruise five times on TV today plugging his new movie. It sounds really exciting. We should go!
In Slangman's "Real Speak":
I've awready seen Tom Cruise five times on TV taday plugging 'is new movie. It sounds really exciding. We should go!
"Slangman" David Burke is a world renowned expert on American slang & idioms. He has authored over 100 books, including the popular "STREET SPEAK" and "BIZ SPEAK" series, which are used by corporations, government agencies, and universities around the world.
To learn more American slang & idioms, visit us at slangman.com. Use Coupon Code: STUDYUSA for a 20% discount on all products during checkout!
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