amateur hour

ˈamətə ˈaʊə(ɹ)

2 definitions

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#1·5h ago

(chiefly, US) An event, particularly on radio or television, showcasing the talents of amateur performers.

"Momma was very talented. She liked to act in plays … She used to sing, do a lot of singing in French, you know. … They used to have amateur hours in those days. You didn't have that many places to go." She performed for the am…

Origin: [[File:Major Bowes Amateur Hour 1935.JPG|thumb|A 1935 photograph of [[w:Major Bowes|“Major” [Edward] Bowes]], the host of Major Bowes Amateur Hour which was broadcast on the radio in the US from 1934 to 1945]] Probably from the names of series of US radio and television programs such as Major Bowes Amateur Hour (broadcast on the radio 1934–1945) and The Original Amateur Hour (on the radio 1948–1952, and on television 1948–1970). Origin information sourced from Wiktionary contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0).

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#2·5h ago

(chiefly, US, idiomatic) A situation or activity in which the participants show a lack of skill, sound judgment, or professionalism.

[T]alent shows such as ''[[w:The Original Amateur Hour

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