candid camera: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1informal, media
Quick answer
What does “candid camera” mean?
A hidden camera used to film people without their knowledge, typically to capture their natural reactions to staged situations for entertainment purposes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hidden camera used to film people without their knowledge, typically to capture their natural reactions to staged situations for entertainment purposes.
The genre of television or film entertainment based on hidden camera pranks; more broadly, any situation involving covert observation or recording.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term similarly. The original TV show was American, but the concept is widely understood in the UK.
Connotations
Primarily associated with light-hearted prank television. Can have negative connotations if used in contexts of surveillance or invasion of privacy.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to the show's origins, but well-established in British English.
Grammar
How to Use “candid camera” in a Sentence
[subject] was filmed by a candid camera[subject] fell for a candid camera prankVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “candid camera” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They tried to candid-camera the shoppers with a fake spill.
- He's been candid-cameraed without realising.
American English
- The show candid-cameras unsuspecting pedestrians.
- They got candid-cameraed at the mall.
adverb
British English
- They filmed it candid-camera style.
- The interview was conducted almost candid-camera.
American English
- It was shot candid-camera.
- They captured the moment candid-camera.
adjective
British English
- It was a candid-camera style programme.
- They used candid-camera techniques.
American English
- A candid-camera segment aired last night.
- The candid-camera footage went viral.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in media/entertainment industry discussions about programming formats.
Academic
Used in media studies when analysing reality TV, ethics of filming, or entertainment history.
Everyday
Common when discussing TV shows, pranks, or surprising situations that feel staged.
Technical
In film/television production, refers to a specific hidden camera technique.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “candid camera”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “candid camera”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “candid camera”
- Using 'candid' alone to mean hidden (requires 'camera' for this specific meaning); confusing with 'candid photography' which is unposed but not hidden.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily yes, in entertainment contexts. However, the term can refer more broadly to any hidden filming meant to capture unguarded behaviour, which might include documentary or journalistic uses.
'Hidden camera' is the general term for any covert filming device. 'Candid camera' specifically implies the filming is for entertainment, humour, or capturing spontaneous reactions, often in a light-hearted context.
Yes, informally (e.g., 'They were candid-cameraed'). This is a back-formation from the noun phrase and is more common in spoken or informal written English.
'Candid Camera' (capitalised) is a registered trademark for the specific American TV show created by Allen Funt. The lowercase term 'candid camera' is used generically to describe the genre or technique.
A hidden camera used to film people without their knowledge, typically to capture their natural reactions to staged situations for entertainment purposes.
Candid camera is usually informal, media in register.
Candid camera: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkændɪd ˈkæm(ə)rə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkændɪd ˈkæm(ə)rə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's like a candid camera moment”
- “Waiting for the candid camera to appear”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CANDID = honest/frank + CAMERA = filming device → filming people when they're being their honest selves.
Conceptual Metaphor
SURPRISE IS A HIDDEN CAMERA; AUTHENTICITY IS UNGUARDED BEHAVIOUR.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a 'candid camera' in its original entertainment context?