video jockey: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, Media
Quick answer
What does “video jockey” mean?
A person who introduces and plays music videos on television, typically for a dedicated channel.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who introduces and plays music videos on television, typically for a dedicated channel.
A presenter or host, often with a charismatic personality, responsible for curating, presenting, and providing commentary on music videos for a broadcast or live event. The role has evolved to include hosting online video content and digital streams.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used and understood in both varieties, but the cultural phenomenon was heavily influenced by American media. The abbreviation 'VJ' is common in both.
Connotations
Strongly associated with 1980s/90s youth and music culture. In the UK, it may also be linked to early music programmes like 'The Chart Show'.
Frequency
More frequent in historical or nostalgic contexts. The specific job title is less common now than in the peak era of MTV.
Grammar
How to Use “video jockey” in a Sentence
[Video jockey] + [verb: presents/hosts/introduces] + [music videos/show].He/she is a [video jockey] for [channel/station].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “video jockey” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She used to video-jockey for The Box in the nineties.
- He's been VJ-ing that late-night show for years.
American English
- He video-jockeyed the launch party for the new band.
- She wants to VJ for a streaming service.
adverb
British English
- Not typically used as an adverb.
American English
- Not typically used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- He had a successful video-jockey career.
- The video-jockey style was very of its time.
American English
- She landed a video jockey gig on a new music app.
- The channel's video-jockey talent was its biggest draw.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in media industry discussions about programming, channel branding, and talent.
Academic
Might appear in media studies, cultural studies, or pop history papers analysing music television.
Everyday
Used in nostalgic conversation about past TV or music culture.
Technical
Not a technical term; remains in the domain of media and entertainment.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “video jockey”
- Spelling as one word: 'videojockey' (usually two words or hyphenated).
- Using it to refer to any TV presenter, rather than specifically a host of music videos.
- Pronouncing 'jockey' with a hard /j/ sound instead of /dʒ/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The traditional TV role is less common, but the concept exists in online streaming, music apps, and live event hosting, often under the title 'VJ' or 'host'.
A DJ (disc jockey) selects and plays recorded music for an audience. A VJ (video jockey) selects and presents music videos, often with commentary, for television or video broadcast.
It is most commonly spelled as two words ('video jockey') or hyphenated when used as a compound modifier ('video-jockey career'). The abbreviation 'VJ' is standard.
Yes, informally. You can say 'to video-jockey' or 'to VJ' a show or event, meaning to host it as a VJ.
A person who introduces and plays music videos on television, typically for a dedicated channel.
Video jockey is usually informal, media in register.
Video jockey: in British English it is pronounced /ˈvɪdɪəʊ ˌdʒɒki/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈvɪdioʊ ˌdʒɑːki/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a JOCKEY riding a horse in a race. A VIDEO JOCKEY 'rides' or controls the flow of VIDEOs on a TV channel.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRESENTING IS PERFORMING (like a DJ); MEDIA CONTENT IS A VEHICLE (to be ridden/controlled).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary analogy behind the term 'video jockey'?