guilty pleasure

USAGE SUMMARY

"guilty pleasure" is a perfectly valid and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that you enjoy that you feel guilty for enjoying. For example, "My guilty pleasure is eating a whole block of chocolate in one sitting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Guilty pleasure.

The Washington Post

What's your guilty pleasure?

Independent

Guilty pleasure, indeed.

The New York Times

My guilty pleasure... Figs.

Independent

(Guilty pleasure: French fries).

The New York Times

What's their guilty pleasure?

The New York Times

My guilty pleasure.

Independent

More from My guilty pleasure.

The Guardian - Film

Guilty Pleasure: I love Cinnabons.

The New York Times - Magazine

Result: pure, guilty pleasure.

The New York Times - Arts

Pure guilty pleasure.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "guilty pleasure" to describe something you enjoy despite knowing it might be considered unrefined, unhealthy, or otherwise frowned upon. It adds a touch of self-awareness and humor to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "guilty pleasure" excessively. While it's a useful phrase, overuse can make your writing sound cliché. Try to vary your language by using alternatives like "secret indulgence" or "weakness for".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "guilty pleasure" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or object to describe something someone enjoys but feels slightly ashamed of. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is widely used and understood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "guilty pleasure" is a commonly used noun phrase to express enjoyment of something despite feeling a sense of shame or awareness that it's not universally appreciated. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and widespread usage. While it is generally neutral, it appears more frequently in News & Media and Wiki/General contexts. When using the phrase, consider alternative expressions like "secret indulgence" for variation. Be mindful of overuse to maintain freshness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shameful pleasure

Directly describes the feeling of shame.

secret indulgence

Emphasizes the hidden nature of the enjoyment.

indulgence I'm ashamed of

Directly states the feeling of shame associated with the enjoyment.

weakness for

Highlights the irresistible nature of the enjoyable thing.

secret passion

Focuses on the intense desire while maintaining secrecy.

thing I secretly love

Simple and direct way to express hidden affection.

under-the-radar enjoyment

Highlights that the enjoyment is not widely known or accepted.

thing I shouldn't like but do

Expresses conflict between societal expectations and personal preference.

illicit enjoyment

Suggests that the enjoyable thing is forbidden or disapproved of.

personal vice

Positions the enjoyment as a minor flaw or bad habit.

FAQs

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

You can use "guilty pleasure" to describe something you enjoy despite feeling a bit ashamed about it. For example, "Reality TV is my "guilty pleasure", even though I know it's not highbrow entertainment."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "guilty pleasure"?

Some alternatives to "guilty pleasure" include "secret indulgence", "shameful pleasure", or "weakness for". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to have a "guilty pleasure"?

Yes, it's perfectly normal to have a "guilty pleasure". The phrase simply acknowledges that you enjoy something that might not be widely accepted or considered sophisticated. It's a lighthearted way to admit to enjoying something a little bit 'lowbrow'.

What kinds of things are typically considered "guilty pleasures"?

"Guilty pleasures" can range from enjoying fast food or reality TV to having a "weakness for" certain types of music or movies. It's all about subjective enjoyment and a slight sense of shame or secrecy.