emcee
C1Informal, journalistic, entertainment industry
Definition
Meaning
A person who hosts an event, especially one who introduces performers, speakers, or entertains the audience.
To act as a master of ceremonies; to host or present an event. Also used informally to refer to a rapper or hip-hop performer who leads a performance.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Originally a phonetic spelling of the abbreviation 'M.C.' (Master of Ceremonies). While it can refer to formal hosts, it is strongly associated with hip-hop culture and rap performances.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More commonly used in American English, especially in entertainment contexts. In British English, 'compere' is a traditional alternative for formal events, though 'emcee' is understood.
Connotations
In the US, strongly associated with hip-hop. In the UK, may still carry some association with American culture but is widely recognized.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American media and entertainment reporting.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
emcee [EVENT]emcee for [ORGANISATION]be emceed by [PERSON]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “pass the mic (to another emcee)”
- “hold it down (as an emcee)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except for corporate event planning roles.
Academic
Very rare, except in studies of popular culture or linguistics.
Everyday
Used when discussing events, concerts, or awards shows.
Technical
Used in event management, broadcasting, and music industry contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She was asked to emcee the charity gala in London.
- Who will be emceeing the festival this year?
American English
- He's emceeing the awards ceremony in Las Vegas.
- She emceed the concert for over 20,000 fans.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The emcee welcomed everyone to the party.
- A famous comedian was the emcee for the awards show.
- The organisers needed an experienced emcee who could handle any technical delays smoothly.
- His reputation as a versatile emcee, capable of transitioning from a corporate fundraiser to a hip-hop battle, is unparalleled in the industry.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the letters 'M' and 'C' said aloud: 'M.C.' sounds like 'emcee'. It's the person in charge of the Microphone and Crowd.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE HOST IS A CONDUCTOR (orchestrating the event).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation as 'ведущий' for all contexts; it misses the hip-hop cultural specificity. In music contexts, 'эмси' is a common loanword.
Common Mistakes
- Spelling as 'MC' or 'M.C.' when using the verb form ('He will MC the show' is also acceptable). Confusing with 'DJ', who provides music, not necessarily hosting.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'emcee' MOST specifically used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it originated as a phonetic spelling of the abbreviation 'M.C.' (Master of Ceremonies). Both forms are correct, but 'emcee' is often preferred in running text.
Absolutely. The term is gender-neutral. A female host is an emcee.
A DJ (disc jockey) selects and plays recorded music. An emcee hosts the event, speaks to the audience, and often performs vocals (especially in hip-hop). Sometimes one person does both.
Yes. For example: 'She will emcee the conference.' This verb form is well-established, particularly in American English.