show-business
UK[ˈʃəʊ ˌbɪznəs]US[ˈʃoʊ ˌbɪznəs]
n
The entertainment industry, especially the part concerned with professional theatre, films, television, and popular music.
Morpheme Breakdown
show
business
show
display
business
commercial activity
Etymology
The compound 'show-business' is a quintessentially modern term, a straightforward combination of two English words. 'Show' originates from the Old English verb for seeing or inspecting, solidifying into a noun for a public exhibition or performance. 'Business' has a more complex journey, beginning with a sense of anxious occupation before narrowing to denote professional trade and enterprise. Their fusion in the late 19th century perfectly captures the commercial essence of the entertainment industry, literally framing it as the 'business of putting on shows.' This term reflects the industrialization of performance, where artistic display is explicitly understood as a commercial venture.
Analysis
Structure: show (display) + business (commercial activity)
- show: From Old English scēawian (to look at, see, inspect). Functional role: Noun, indicating a performance or spectacle.
- business: From Old English bisignis (anxiety, care), later evolving to mean 'a state of being busy' and then 'a commercial enterprise'. Functional role: Noun, indicating a professional or commercial activity.
Examples
He spent his entire life in show-business, starting as a child actor.
The documentary exposes the harsh realities behind the glamour of show-business.
She's a talented singer, but she's not sure if she wants to deal with the pressures of show-business.