candid camera
1
4.8
- noun
- /ˈkændɪd ˈkæmərə/
:
cámara oculta
- What is this, "candid camera"?
Examples
-
The reality show featured a hidden candid camera to capture people's genuine reactions.
-
Is this some kind of candid camera thing, huh?
-
I just got his ass on candid camera.
Fiction book (1990) -
You're on candid camera.
-
During the prank, the candid camera recorded everything without anyone noticing.
-
They used a small candid camera to film the surprise party without alerting the guests.
Synonyms
∞
1.0
A machine that takes photos or records video
86
4.3
A small camera on a computer or phone used for video calls
1
4.8
A very small camera that records tiny details or helps record without being seen
A very small camera used by doctors to see inside the body
How Discreet
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly and transparently derived from 'candid' (unposed, informal) + 'camera' (photographic device): it denotes a camera used to take unposed photos. This compositional pattern is common and mirrors equivalents in other languages, so a B1 learner who knows both words would readily infer the meaning.
Etymology
Candid camera The noun candid camera comes from the idea of a camera that takes candid 'honest' pictures without people posing, like a small camera hiding nearby to catch real reactions. That's why candid camera means a small camera used to take natural, 'unposed' photos without being noticed.