Blooper

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈbluː.pə/

Definitions

1. An unintended error that elicits laughter, often occurring during media recordings or live performances, and commonly showcases the flaws in public presentations
2. A mistake made accidentally that causes amusement and is often seen in recordings or live shows
3. An error that happens unintentionally and is funny, typically captured during entertainment or broadcasts

Etymology: Before it meant a slip on television or stage, "blooper" named a sail. The source records a sail beside the flag on the USS Niagara, a brig launched in 1813, that was called a blooper or spanker. The word also once named a radio receiver that caused interference with other broadcasts, and a 1927 British Post Office truck was used to track down such receivers. The word is formed from "bloop" with the suffix "-er", and it is of American origin. The entertainment sense, a mistake that gets a laugh, is what most people know today. A Dutch children's programme, B.O.O.S., which ran from 1988 to 1995 and was presented by Bart de Graaff, made a series of bloopers, showing the word's use in that sense.

Synonyms: mistake, blunder, error, gaffe

Antonyms: success, achievement