famous for being famous

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adj
  1. Having attained celebrity status for no distinguished reason; appearing to generate one's own fame, or well-known only through association with an existing celebrity, as opposed to fame based on achievements, skill, or talent.

Word forms

famous for being famous

Etymology

The term originates from an analysis of the media-dominated world called The Image: A Guide to Pseudo-events in America (1961), by historian and social theorist Daniel J. Boorstin, in which he defined the celebrity as "a person who is known for his well-knownness".

Related words

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