secret pleasure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "secret pleasure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a source of enjoyment that is kept hidden or not openly acknowledged. Example: "Reading romance novels in secret has become my guilty secret pleasure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

It's my secret pleasure.

The New York Times - Arts

They're my secret pleasure.

Independent

Another secret pleasure is the city's gloriously underpopulated art galleries.

Independent

Marina's secret pleasure was to read these pieces of Pravda the next day.

The New Yorker

It is the secret pleasure of hearing about aging parents that are even more impossible than yours".

The New York Times

But there's some secret pleasure I take in things like that, in things going horribly wrong".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Such connections are among the secret pleasures of biography.

The Guardian - Books

Sometimes it offers secret pleasures of recognition to those readers who might have been through the same seminars and known the same professional absurdities as the author herself.

The Guardian - Books

Stacks is my attempt to make these secret pleasures public, and to warn you of looming releases, just in case your time on the Internet has left you hungry for extra fresh information about extra new content.

The New Yorker

We will miss Sven when he leaves England and he will miss us - our excesses, vulgarities, flashiness, worship of the superficial and profound shallowness - because all our faults are his secret pleasures.

The Guardian - Sport

To Walser, Berlin's architecture "errs perhaps on the side of the drastic" and theater should be "shameless," since "it must after all be reckoned among the secret pleasures of a theatergoer to be permitted to find sufficient grounds to blush".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "secret pleasure", consider the context to ensure the secrecy aspect aligns with the intended meaning. It often implies a sense of guilt, embarrassment, or exclusivity.

Common error

Avoid using "secret pleasure" in formal or professional writing where a more neutral term like "personal enjoyment" or "private interest" would be more appropriate. "Secret pleasure" can imply a frivolous or inappropriate indulgence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "secret pleasure" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig shows that it describes something that brings enjoyment but is kept hidden or not openly acknowledged.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "secret pleasure" is a noun phrase used to describe an enjoyable activity or thing that is kept hidden or not openly acknowledged. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in News & Media. While similar to "guilty pleasure", it doesn't necessarily imply shame but rather a sense of privacy or exclusivity. When writing, consider the context to ensure the intended meaning aligns with the secrecy aspect, and avoid overusing it in formal settings. Alternative phrases include "covert delight" and "private indulgence".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

covert delight

Focuses on the hidden nature of the enjoyment.

private indulgence

Emphasizes the personal and often luxurious aspect of the pleasure.

guilty pleasure

Highlights the sense of shame or embarrassment associated with the enjoyment.

hidden satisfaction

Stresses the contentment derived from something not openly shared.

unacknowledged joy

Focuses on the lack of open recognition or admission of the pleasure.

furtive enjoyment

Emphasizes the secretive and often illicit nature of the pleasure.

clandestine amusement

Highlights the concealed and often playful nature of the pleasure.

unspoken delight

Focuses on pleasure that is experienced but not discussed.

personal treat

Emphasizes the individual and rewarding aspect of the pleasure.

inner contentment

Highlights the feeling of satisfaction and happiness experienced internally.

FAQs

What does "secret pleasure" mean?

The phrase "secret pleasure" refers to a source of enjoyment that is kept hidden or not openly acknowledged, often due to embarrassment, guilt, or a desire for exclusivity.

What can I say instead of "secret pleasure"?

You can use alternatives like "covert delight", "private indulgence", or "guilty pleasure" depending on the context.

Is "secret pleasure" the same as "guilty pleasure"?

While similar, "secret pleasure" doesn't always imply guilt. A "guilty pleasure" specifically suggests shame or embarrassment associated with the enjoyment, whereas "secret pleasure" might simply be kept private.

How to use "secret pleasure" in a sentence?

You can use "secret pleasure" to describe hobbies, foods, or activities you enjoy privately, like "Watching old movies is my secret pleasure" or "She indulged in her secret pleasure of reading romance novels."