Roman holiday

noun

1. a public spectacle or controversy marked by barbarism, vindictiveness, or scandal.
2. pleasure or advantage gained from the discomfort or suffering of others.

Roman holiday

noun

1. entertainment or pleasure that depends on the suffering of others

Word History and Origins

Origin of Roman holiday¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Word History and Origins

Origin of Roman holiday¹

C19: from Byron's poem Childe Harold (IV, 141)