Phrase guide

gong show

noun · 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

noun

Meaning 1

An event that proves to be a disaster, often in a fun or memorable way.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: Canada

Examples

  • Last night, we all went drinking, and the whole thing turned into a total gong show.
  • That biology class was a gong show.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

After The Gong Show, a televised absurdist amateur talent contest first broadcast in the 1970s.