media darling: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘media darling’ mean?

The idiom "media darling" refers to a person or thing that receives a significant amount of positive attention and coverage from the media, often due to their popularity, appeal, or favorable relationship with journalists.

Idiom Explorer

Charismatic Media Favorites

The term "media darling" refers to a person or thing that is highly favored or embraced by the media. It implies that the media holds the individual or entity in high regard, often resulting in a favorable portrayal in news articles, interviews, or other media platforms.

Being labeled a "media darling" can have both positive and negative connotations. On one hand, it indicates that the person or entity is successful in garnering attention and publicity, which can be beneficial for their image or cause. It may also suggest that they have a positive and favorable relationship with the press.

However, being a "media darling" can also invite criticism or skepticism, as some may argue that the individual or entity receives preferential treatment from the media, potentially clouding the objectivity of the coverage. There may be concerns about the accuracy or fairness of the portrayal, leading to accusations of bias or manipulation.

The journalist focused on the popular celebrity's media attention.

The idiom "media darling" reflects the complex relationship between the media and those who seek or receive attention from it. It highlights the influence and power the media holds in shaping public perception and generating interest. It also raises questions about the role of the media in promoting certain individuals or causes and the potential for misrepresentation or undue influence.

The idiom "media darling" can be related to the idiom "big name". A "big name" refers to a person or entity that is widely recognized or famous. When someone is considered a "media darling," they often become a "big name" as their popularity and visibility in the media increases. Similar to a "media darling," a "big name" receives significant attention and coverage from the press, contributing to their status as a well-known figure.

Another related idiom is "publicity hound." A "publicity hound" refers to someone who actively seeks attention and publicity. While a "media darling" may not necessarily be actively seeking publicity, they often attract it due to their favorable relationship with the media. In some cases, a "media darling" can be seen as a "publicity hound," as they leverage their positive media coverage to further their own goals or gain attention.

Lastly, the idiom "trial by media" can also be associated with the concept of a "media darling." "Trial by media" refers to a situation in which public opinion is swayed or shaped by media coverage, often leading to a rush to judgment. In the case of a "media darling," the individual or entity may experience heightened scrutiny or criticism due to their positive portrayal in the media. This can result in a "trial by media" scenario, in which the public forms opinions or makes judgments based on the media's portrayal, rather than a fair and unbiased assessment of the facts.

The idiom "media darling" refers to an individual or entity that is highly favored or embraced by the media. Being labeled a "media darling" can have both positive and negative connotations, as it indicates success in garnering attention and publicity but may also invite criticism. The idiom reflects the complex relationship between the media and those who seek or receive attention, and raises questions about the role of media in shaping public perception. It can be related to idioms such as "big name," "publicity hound," and "trial by media," which further examine the dynamics of media coverage and the influence it holds.

Example usage

Examples of how the idiom "media darling" can be used in a sentence:

  • The actress became a media darling after her award-winning performance in the movie.
  • The politician's charismatic personality and frequent appearances on talk shows quickly made him a media darling.
  • The new fashion designer was hailed as a media darling when several celebrities were spotted wearing her creations.

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