blockbuster etymology

Etymology

The word "blockbuster" originated in the early 20th century to describe a large and highly explosive bomb. It is a compound word formed from "block," meaning a large solid mass, and "buster," meaning something that breaks or destroys.

Meaning

In the context of entertainment, a blockbuster is:

• A movie, TV show, book, or other form of media that achieves immense commercial success.
• A product or event that is a huge hit and sells in large quantities.

It implies a work that is popular, widely acclaimed, and highly profitable.

Origin

The term "blockbuster" was first used in the entertainment industry in the 1940s. It was popularized by the movie "Gone with the Wind" (1939), which became one of the top-grossing films of all time.

The movie was marketed as a "blockbuster" due to its epic scope, star-studded cast, and lavish production values. Its success paved the way for other large-scale, high-budget productions that sought to replicate the same level of popularity and box office success.

Over time, the term "blockbuster" became synonymous with any entertainment product that had a major impact on the industry and left a lasting mark on popular culture.

blockbuster relate terms

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