guilty pleasures

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "guilty pleasures" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to things that one enjoys despite feeling that they shouldn't, often because they are considered lowbrow or indulgent. Example: "Watching reality TV shows is one of my guilty pleasures; I know they're not high art, but I can't help but enjoy them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Guilty pleasures.

The New York Times - Books

Really guilty pleasures?

The New York Times - Books

Any guilty pleasures?

The New York Times - Books

Guilty pleasures can kill.

The Guardian - Music

Guilty pleasures were purified.

The New York Times - Arts

GUILTY PLEASURES Oh, where to start?

The New York Times - Arts

"I call those Guilty Pleasures," he said.

The New York Times

Art Even art historians have guilty pleasures.

The New Yorker

Everyone admits to guilty pleasures.

The Guardian - Film

Next to the guilty pleasures?

The New York Times - Books

Don't believe in guilty pleasures.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about personal preferences, use "guilty pleasures" to add a touch of self-awareness and humor, acknowledging that some of your tastes might be considered unconventional or lowbrow.

Common error

While "guilty pleasures" is a common phrase, avoid overusing it. Vary your language to describe enjoyable activities or interests, especially if the 'guilt' aspect isn't the primary focus. Consider alternatives such as "simple pleasures" or "personal indulgences" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "guilty pleasures" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies things that one enjoys but feels slightly ashamed of, as shown in the examples provided by Ludwig. It is a descriptive label applied to activities, foods, or media that offer enjoyment despite being considered lowbrow or indulgent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "guilty pleasures" refers to things someone enjoys despite feeling some shame or embarrassment about it. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and very common, especially in News & Media. While expressing personal enjoyment, be mindful of overuse and consider related phrases like "secret indulgences" or "shameful delights" to maintain freshness. Using "guilty pleasures" adds self-awareness and humor, acknowledging less-than-perfect tastes. Keep in mind that Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing the phrase's versatility in expressing relatable preferences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secret indulgences

Focuses on the hidden nature of the enjoyment.

shameful delights

Emphasizes the feeling of shame associated with the pleasure.

hidden pleasures

Highlights the concealed aspect of the enjoyment.

secret passions

Emphasizes the intensity of the enjoyment, kept private.

indulgent habits

Focuses on the habitual aspect of the enjoyable activity and that it is something considered perhaps inappropriate in excess.

forbidden joys

Suggests a sense of transgression associated with the enjoyment.

private vices

Implies a more negative connotation, suggesting the enjoyment is morally questionable.

covert amusements

Highlights the secretive and entertaining aspect of the enjoyment.

unacknowledged affections

Focuses on the unacknowledged love or fondness for something.

guilty secrets

Highlights the secretive aspect and the feeling of guilt associated with it.

FAQs

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

You can use "guilty pleasures" to describe activities or things you enjoy despite feeling a bit ashamed or that they are not 'high art'. For example: "Reality TV is one of my "guilty pleasures", even though I know it's not intellectual."

What are some synonyms for "guilty pleasures"?

Alternatives include "secret indulgences", "shameful delights", or "hidden pleasures". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to have "guilty pleasures"?

Not necessarily. The phrase acknowledges a potential conflict between personal enjoyment and perceived social norms, but it doesn't have to be entirely negative. It can also be a lighthearted way to admit enjoying something unconventional.

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

A "guilty pleasure" implies a degree of shame or awareness that the enjoyment might be frowned upon by others. A "simple pleasure", on the other hand, is a straightforward enjoyment without any associated guilt or conflict.