casting couch

[ kas-ting kouch, kah-sting ]

noun

, Informal.

1. a couch in the office of a casting director, supposedly used with actors or actresses who are promised roles in exchange for sexual favors.
2. the supposed practice of casting actors or actresses in exchange for sexual favors:

   young women who have suffered the casting couch.

casting couch

noun

1. informal.
   a couch on which a casting director is said to seduce women seeking a part in a film or play

Word History and Origins

Origin of casting couch¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Announcing the charges, US attorney Breon Peace said: “To anyone who thinks they can exploit and coerce others by using the so-called 'casting couch' system, this case should serve as a warning. Prepare to trade that couch for a bed in federal prison.”

From BBC

Women in all Indian film industries, including in the biggest and hugely popular Bollywood, have repeatedly spoken about the casting couch – the practice of men asking for sexual favours in return for roles – and rampant sexual harassment they face.

From BBC

The final stretch was a roller coaster that included her character returning home after a brief stint at the University of Minnesota and rumors of a casting couch situation after she landed the lead in a production of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” at the fictional California University, where the characters matriculated.

From Los Angeles Times

This man had a casting couch routine more in the mold of a creepy Harvey Weinstein than a glamorous Tony Stark and they know it.

From Salon

Coffee said Daniels and Trump’s tryst could have reflected a casting couch arrangement, predicated on a hope of appearing on his reality television show.

From Salon