chorus boy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSpecialized/Technical (Theatre), sometimes Informal (when used metaphorically)
Quick answer
What does “chorus boy” mean?
A male singer or dancer who performs as part of the chorus in a musical, opera, or theatrical production, typically not in a leading role.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A male singer or dancer who performs as part of the chorus in a musical, opera, or theatrical production, typically not in a leading role.
Can be used metaphorically to describe a man who is part of a supportive or background group, or who unquestioningly follows or supports a leader.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The compound form 'chorus boy' is standard in both varieties.
Connotations
The term is neutral in its literal theatrical sense. In metaphorical use, it often carries a slightly negative or dismissive connotation of being a follower without individuality.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialized in both varieties, primarily understood within performing arts contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “chorus boy” in a Sentence
He started his career as a [chorus boy].The director auditioned twenty [chorus boys].He worked his way up from [chorus boy] to leading man.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chorus boy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not a standard verb form. One might say: 'He chorused his agreement with the others.')
American English
- (Not a standard verb form. One might say: 'He's just been chorus-boying for the boss for years.')
adjective
British English
- (Not a standard adjective form. One might say: 'a chorus-boy smile', meaning a practiced, uniform smile.)
American English
- (Not a standard adjective form. One might say: 'He has that chorus-boy enthusiasm.')
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used metaphorically in informal critique: 'He's not a decision-maker, just a chorus boy for the CEO.'
Academic
Very rare outside of theatre or performance studies.
Everyday
Uncommon. Most likely heard in conversations about theatre or as a metaphorical insult.
Technical
Standard term within the professional theatre and musical theatre industry.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chorus boy”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chorus boy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chorus boy”
- Using 'chorus boy' to refer to a boy singing in a church or school choir (incorrect - it is specifically theatrical).
- Spelling as two words without a hyphen is standard, though 'chorus-boy' is an occasional variant.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While 'boy' suggests youth, in professional theatre it refers to any male chorus performer, regardless of actual age, though they are often younger.
A 'chorus boy' specifically performs in the chorus of a musical theatre production, which often involves both singing and dancing. A 'dancer' is a broader term for anyone who dances, not necessarily in a theatrical chorus.
No, the specific term for a female performer in the same role is 'chorus girl'. The gender-neutral term is 'chorus member' or 'ensemble member'.
In its literal, professional theatre context, it is a standard, neutral job title. When used metaphorically outside the theatre, it can be dismissive or pejorative, implying a lack of individual importance.
A male singer or dancer who performs as part of the chorus in a musical, opera, or theatrical production, typically not in a leading role.
Chorus boy is usually specialized/technical (theatre), sometimes informal (when used metaphorically) in register.
Chorus boy: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɔːrəs ˌbɔɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɔːrəs ˌbɔɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He's just a chorus boy in that organisation. (metaphorical: a follower with no real power)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BOY in the CHORUS of a big musical, singing and dancing in the background behind the star.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BACKGROUND/SUPPORTING ROLE IS A CHORUS MEMBER. Used to conceptualize someone in a group who lacks individual prominence or authority.
Practice
Quiz
In a metaphorical sense, calling someone a 'chorus boy' suggests they are: