publicity hound

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "publicity hound" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who seeks attention or publicity, often in a negative or exaggerated manner. Example: "The actor became a publicity hound, constantly seeking media attention for even the smallest achievements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He was a terminal publicity hound who courted public attention with outrageous behavior and pronunciamentos.

The New York Times - Arts

Not a publicity hound.

The New York Times

"I'm not a publicity hound," he says.

Independent

I've never been a publicity hound.

The Guardian

Some critics belittle Father Tikhon as a publicity hound.

The New York Times

"This guy is obviously a publicity hound and a weirdo".

The New York Times

She is the furthest thing from a publicity hound.

The New Yorker

He was a publicity hound, some suggest, and more famous than he deserved to be.

Princeton University

Mr. Trump's singular accomplishment was showing the world he is a publicity hound with no credibility.

The New York Times

There was Larry Gagosian, the art dealer and veteran publicity hound, irascibly waving away photographers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Nothing save the gusts of postmodern academics and the ill-informed bleats of publicity-hound law professors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "publicity hound" when you want to negatively characterize someone who aggressively seeks media attention. Consider the context and ensure the term's negative connotation is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "publicity hound" in formal or professional writing. The term carries a negative connotation and is more suitable for informal or journalistic contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "publicity hound" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used attributively to describe a person. It carries a negative connotation, suggesting someone aggressively seeks attention. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is usable in written English and serves to label someone's behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "publicity hound" is a common noun phrase used to describe someone who aggressively seeks public attention, often with negative connotations. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in writing, particularly in journalistic or informal contexts. Its usage is most prevalent in news and media, where it serves to critique or express skepticism about an individual's pursuit of fame or recognition. While effective in conveying disapproval, it should be avoided in formal settings where a more neutral tone is preferred. Alternatives such as "attention seeker" or "publicity seeker" may be more appropriate depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Publicity seeker

A more neutral term that focuses on the act of seeking publicity without negative connotations.

Attention seeker

Broader term referring to anyone seeking attention, not necessarily through media.

Media seeker

Focuses specifically on seeking attention through media channels.

Self-promoter

Highlights the act of promoting oneself, often in a business context.

Glory hunter

Implies seeking attention through achievements, often in sports or competitive fields.

Spotlight chaser

Emphasizes the pursuit of being in the public spotlight.

Exhibitionist

Suggests a more overt and sometimes inappropriate display for attention.

Grandstander

Indicates seeking attention through showy or theatrical actions.

Fame-monger

Highlights the desire for fame as the primary motivation.

Limelight seeker

Focuses on the pursuit of fame and recognition, often in a superficial way.

FAQs

What does "publicity hound" mean?

A "publicity hound" is a person who constantly seeks public attention, especially through coverage in the broadcast media or news media.

How can I use "publicity hound" in a sentence?

Example: "The actor became a "publicity hound", constantly seeking media attention for even the smallest achievements."

What can I say instead of "publicity hound"?

You can use alternatives like "attention seeker", "media seeker", or "self-promoter" depending on the context.

Is "publicity hound" a positive or negative term?

"Publicity hound" is generally a negative term, implying that someone is excessively and often annoyingly seeking public attention. Consider using a more neutral term like "publicity seeker" if you do not want to convey a negative connotation.