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DictionaryblooperEmbarrassing mistake
noun

blooper

BLOO-per/ˈbluːpər/

An embarrassing mistake, especially during a performance or broadcast.

The pancake landing on the presenter's head becomes a memorable blooper.

During a filmed cooking demonstration, a presenter accidentally flips a pancake onto her own head.
Etymology
bloopEnglishan intrusive or blundering sound

From bloop, an expressive word associated with an intrusive sound or blunder. The precise route into performance slang is uncertain.

In context

Writers Drinking Whiskey13:45
this whole one is going to be a blooper.
Crafting compelling antagonists and characters smarter than you | Open Bar author panel

More examples

  • A blooper during the live broadcast went viral.
  • They saved the funniest bloopers for the closing credits.
  • Her accidental mispronunciation became the evening's most memorable blooper.

Forms

blooper · bloopers

Similar words

blunder
A blunder is a serious or foolish mistake; blooper often suggests an amusing performance error.
outtake
An outtake is omitted footage and may contain a blooper, but need not be a mistake.