Phrase guide

famous for being famous

adj · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

adj

Meaning 1

Having attained celebrity status for no distinguished reason; appearing to generate one's own fame, or well-known only through association with an existing celebrity, as opposed to fame based on achievements, skill, or talent.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: derogatory

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

The term originates from an analysis of the media-dominated world called The Image: A Guide to Pseudo-events in America (1961), by historian and social theorist Daniel J. Boorstin, in which he defined the celebrity as "a person who is known for his well-knownness".

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • French: célèbre parce qu'on est célèbre — having attained celebrity status for no distinguished reason
  • French: célèbre pour sa célébrité — having attained celebrity status for no distinguished reason
  • Italian: famoso per essere famoso — having attained celebrity status for no distinguished reason
  • Spanish: famoso por ser famoso — having attained celebrity status for no distinguished reason