a guilty pleasure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a guilty pleasure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something enjoyable that one may feel guilty or embarrassed about indulging in, such as eating an entire pint of ice cream in one sitting. For example, "Watching cheesy reality TV shows is one of my guilty pleasures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's a guilty pleasure.

The Guardian - Opinion

I still consider it a guilty pleasure.

The New York Times

Does this sound like a guilty pleasure?

The New Yorker

Are they a guilty pleasure?

The Guardian - Film

Journalists have a guilty pleasure.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Instead it's a guilty pleasure.

The New York Times

Steve McQueen was almost a guilty pleasure.

The Guardian - Music

Not a guilty pleasure, just a pleasure.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

THAT smoke is a guilty pleasure.

The New York Times

"Sometimes we want a guilty pleasure".

The New York Times

"It's a little bit like a guilty pleasure.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a guilty pleasure" to honestly express enjoyment of something that might be considered lowbrow, unconventional, or unhealthy. This can add a relatable and human touch to your writing.

Common error

Don't overuse "a guilty pleasure" for things that are generally harmless or widely accepted. Save it for truly questionable enjoyments to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a guilty pleasure" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or an object. Ludwig AI confirms that it's used to describe something enjoyable that elicits feelings of guilt or slight embarrassment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a guilty pleasure" is a noun phrase used to describe something one enjoys despite feeling some level of guilt or embarrassment about it. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, serving to express a relatable or humorous contradiction. To avoid misusing the phrase, reserve it for truly questionable or unconventional enjoyments. Some related phrases are "a shameful indulgence", "a secret vice" and "an embarrassing delight". This guide provides a comprehensive understanding of its usage, including best practices and common errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something I'm ashamed to enjoy

Directly states the feeling of shame.

a shameful indulgence

Emphasizes the feeling of shame associated with the enjoyment.

an embarrassing delight

Focuses on the potential for embarrassment.

something I secretly love

Highlights the clandestine nature of the enjoyment.

a secret vice

Highlights the hidden nature of the enjoyment.

a conflicted indulgence

Highlights the internal conflict between enjoyment and guilt.

a weakness for

Highlights the lack of control in the consumption of something.

a questionable pleasure

Suggests that the enjoyment is morally or socially dubious.

a secret passion

Emphasizes the strength of the enjoyment and its concealed nature.

a slightly embarrassing habit

Focuses on the repetitive nature and slight embarrassment.

FAQs

How can I use "a guilty pleasure" in a sentence?

You can use "a guilty pleasure" to describe something you enjoy despite feeling some level of guilt or embarrassment. For example, "Reality TV is "a guilty pleasure" of mine, even though I know it's not highbrow."

What are some alternatives to saying "a guilty pleasure"?

Alternatives include "a shameful indulgence", "a secret vice", or "an embarrassing delight", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to admit to having "a guilty pleasure" in professional settings?

It depends on the context. Sharing a harmless "guilty pleasure" can be a good way to connect with colleagues, but it's best to avoid anything too controversial or unprofessional.

What's the difference between a regular pleasure and "a guilty pleasure"?

A regular pleasure is something you enjoy without reservation, while "a guilty pleasure" involves some level of shame, embarrassment, or awareness that it might not be good for you or considered sophisticated by others.