show copy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSpecialized (Publishing, Media, Arts)
Quick answer
What does “show copy” mean?
A copy of a work intended to attract attention, often displayed or presented for viewing, rather than for direct purchase or sale. Typically used in publishing and media.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A copy of a work intended to attract attention, often displayed or presented for viewing, rather than for direct purchase or sale. Typically used in publishing and media.
A copy of a film, book, record, magazine, or document used for promotional purposes, display in a shop window, review purposes, or awards consideration. It can also refer to a visually impressive sample of work to demonstrate capability.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant dialectal differences in meaning. The term is used in both publishing industries. Spelling follows regional conventions for other words in a sentence.
Connotations
Professional, commercial, promotional. Implies a degree of polish or presentation quality suitable for public viewing.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, confined to industry jargon.
Grammar
How to Use “show copy” in a Sentence
[Publisher] sent [Recipient] a show copy of [Work].[The/This] show copy is for [Purpose].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “show copy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- The show-copy version had a special embossed cover.
American English
- They prepared a show-copy draft for the client presentation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In a publishing house: 'We need to print fifty show copies for the Frankfurt Book Fair.'
Academic
Rare. Possibly in media studies: 'The show copy was analyzed for its paratextual elements.'
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
In film distribution: 'The festival requires a DCP show copy for the screening.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “show copy”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “show copy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “show copy”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He will show copy the book').
- Confusing it with 'showroom copy' (more for cars/electronics).
- Using it in general contexts where 'sample' or 'demo' would suffice.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it can be used for digital proofs, advanced reader copies (ebooks), or high-quality PDFs sent for review or display.
A 'review copy' is sent specifically for critical assessment. A 'show copy' is for visual presentation or display, though a single copy can serve both purposes.
Typically not. Show copies are for promotion, not retail sale. They may sometimes be sold later as 'display copies' or given away.
No, it is specialized terminology used within publishing, media, marketing, and related creative industries.
A copy of a work intended to attract attention, often displayed or presented for viewing, rather than for direct purchase or sale. Typically used in publishing and media.
Show copy is usually specialized (publishing, media, arts) in register.
Show copy: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃəʊ ˌkɒpi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃoʊ ˌkɑːpi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not applicable for this specialized term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COPY of a book that is meant to be SHOWN off, not sold.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PRODUCT IS A PRESENTATION. The object is conceptualized not for its core utility (reading) but for its ability to represent and attract.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a 'show copy'?