casting couch

USAGE SUMMARY

"casting couch" is a valid phrase in written English.
It is typically used in a figurative way to refer to situations in which someone in a position of power requires sexual favors from someone in exchange for career advancement or other benefit. For example, you might say: "The casting director had a reputation for using the casting couch to get what he wanted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The casting couch.

The Washington Post

I mention the casting couch.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But this was no casting couch affair.

The New York Times

That is, they democratize the casting couch.

The New York Times - Style

"It's not about the casting couch.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

There's definitely something called a casting couch.

The Guardian

This casting couch scenario could not end more bruisingly.

The New York Times - Books

It makes you wonder if you have a casting couch.

The New York Times - Magazine

The casting couch is a long-standing issue".

The New Yorker

But she refused to go down the casting couch route.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Failure to pass the casting-couch test has not harmed her long-term career, though.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "casting couch" when referring to the specific practice of demanding sexual favors in exchange for roles or career advancement. Be mindful of the sensitivity of the topic and ensure respectful and accurate representation.

Common error

Avoid using "casting couch" as a general term for all forms of sexual harassment or misconduct. It specifically refers to the exchange of sexual favors for professional opportunities in the entertainment industry.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "casting couch" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to describe a specific form of sexual harassment and abuse of power prevalent in the entertainment industry. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "casting couch" is a noun phrase referring to the exploitative practice of demanding sexual favors for career advancement, particularly in the entertainment industry. According to Ludwig AI, the term is grammatically correct and very common, primarily appearing in News & Media contexts. While the phrase is widely understood, it's essential to use it accurately, avoiding generalization to all forms of sexual harassment. Alternatives like "sexual exploitation for roles" or "abuse of power in casting" may be appropriate depending on the context. Use the term mindfully, acknowledging the sensitivity and severity of the issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sexual exploitation for roles

Focuses on the exploitative nature of the practice.

quid pro quo harassment in acting

Emphasizes the exchange of favors for career advancement.

abuse of power in casting

Highlights the imbalance of authority.

predatory behavior in Hollywood

Indicates the predatory actions within the industry.

sexual coercion for career advancement

Stresses the element of coercion involved.

exploitative audition practices

Specific to audition scenarios and exploitation.

unethical casting methods

Addresses the ethical concerns of the practice.

harassment in the entertainment industry

Broader term referring to different instances of harassment, not only during auditions

coercive casting scenarios

Focuses on specific instances that involves coercion and audition.

favoritism and sexual exploitation in the workplace

Alternative in the sense of an existing phenomenon, not exclusive to the acting industry.

FAQs

What does the term "casting couch" mean?

The term "casting couch" refers to the exploitative practice in the entertainment industry where individuals in positions of power demand sexual favors in exchange for roles or career advancement.

How can I use "casting couch" in a sentence?

You might say, "The actress spoke out about her experience with the "casting couch" early in her career, detailing the pressures she faced."

What are some other ways to describe the "casting couch" phenomenon?

Alternatives include "sexual exploitation for roles", "abuse of power in casting", or "quid pro quo harassment in acting".

Is the "casting couch" only a historical issue?

While awareness has increased, and some measures have been taken to combat it, the "casting couch" remains a relevant issue, though it's increasingly recognized as a form of sexual harassment and abuse of power.