foolish pleasure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foolish pleasure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a type of enjoyment that is considered unwise or lacking in seriousness. Example: "Despite knowing it was a bad idea, she indulged in the foolish pleasure of binge-watching her favorite show all night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Foolish Pleasure won the Champagne Stakes at Belmont Park.

The New Yorker

Could it have been the death of Ruffian in her 1975 match race with Foolish Pleasure?

The New York Times

In 1975, Ruffian snapped a leg during her match race against Foolish Pleasure at Belmont and had to be euthanized.

The New York Times - Sports

The New Yorker, October 14, 1974 P. 191 Foolish Pleasure won the Champagne Stakes at Belmont Park.

The New Yorker

Ruffian was humanely destroyed after fracturing the sesamoid bones of her right front ankle early in the running of her match race with Foolish Pleasure at Belmont Park.

The New Yorker

In 1975, I went to New York with many other enthusiastic race fans to see the great filly Ruffian in the match race against Foolish Pleasure.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Pain has become nobler than pleasure; work, however foolish or futile, nobler than play; and denying ourselves even the most harmless delights marks the suitably somber outlook on life".

The New York Times - Books

Yet it would be mean-spirited as well as foolish not to acknowledge the sheer pleasure of so many conference delegates in Brighton this week.

The Guardian

Thus we take pleasure in punishing them for our own foolish obsessions.

The Guardian - Opinion

I must look foolish, I thought somewhere, but there was so much pleasure in being a fool, why had I spent so much of my life guarding against it?

The New Yorker

As the two lean their heads to the side, they close their eyes, unafraid to seem foolish; like the show itself, they're on the side of pleasure, whatever form it takes.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "foolish pleasure" to describe enjoyment that you recognize may not be the wisest choice, but you indulge in nonetheless. It adds a touch of self-awareness and lightheartedness to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "foolish pleasure" too frequently, as it can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "guilty pleasure" or "irrational delight" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "foolish pleasure" is to act as a noun phrase, where the adjective "foolish" modifies the noun "pleasure". It describes a specific kind of enjoyment that is tinged with a lack of good judgement. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "foolish pleasure" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase that describes an enjoyment tinged with a lack of wisdom. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's acceptable in written English and primarily found in news and media contexts. While not overly formal, it's versatile enough for various writing scenarios. If you want to diversify your expression, consider using alternatives like "guilty pleasure" or "irrational delight". Just remember to use it judiciously to avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

guilty pleasure

Emphasizes the sense of guilt associated with enjoying something considered wrong or indulgent.

irrational delight

Highlights the lack of reason behind the enjoyment.

unwise enjoyment

Directly states the lack of wisdom in the pleasure taken.

thoughtless amusement

Focuses on the lack of consideration or thought involved.

imprudent gratification

Highlights the potential negative consequences of the pleasure.

short-sighted fun

Suggests a focus on immediate pleasure without considering future repercussions.

ill-advised joy

Implies that the enjoyment is based on poor judgment.

senseless diversion

Emphasizes the lack of purpose or meaning in the activity.

risky indulgence

Highlights the potential dangers or negative outcomes associated with the pleasure.

frivolous entertainment

Focuses on the lack of seriousness or importance of the enjoyment.

FAQs

What does "foolish pleasure" mean?

"Foolish pleasure" refers to enjoyment derived from something considered unwise, frivolous, or potentially harmful. It implies a self-aware indulgence in something that isn't necessarily good for you.

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

You might say, "Despite knowing I should be working, I succumbed to the foolish pleasure of watching reality TV." or "Eating a whole cake is a foolish pleasure I allow myself once in a while."

What are some alternatives to "foolish pleasure"?

You can use alternatives like "guilty pleasure", "irrational delight", or "unwise enjoyment" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "foolish pleasure" a negative term?

While it acknowledges a lack of wisdom, "foolish pleasure" isn't necessarily negative. It often carries a connotation of lighthearted self-deprecation, implying awareness and acceptance of the indulgence.