Cameo

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈkæm.iː.əʊ/

Definitions

1. A small carved ornament featuring a portrait or figure in raised relief on a contrasting surface, or a brief notable appearance by a celebrity in a film or show
2. A piece of jewelry or art object displaying a profile or image sculptured in projection against a darker ground, or a short memorable performance by a well-known person in a movie or broadcast
3. A small decorative item with a raised image carved to stand out from its background ; a short, notable appearance of a well-known individual in a film or television show

Etymology: Carved cameos were prized for their layered, almost sculptural depth: a figure stands out in relief against a contrasting background, usually cut from shell or hard stone. The word reached English from Italian "cammeo," which came from Medieval Latin "camaeus," and nobody is certain where that Latin term originated. Its sibling "camaieu" descends from the same source, so the two words are doublets, arriving in different forms by different routes. The word's most famous afterlife came from the cinema. Film makers borrowed the term from the carved jewellery world, and the "cameo role" came to mean a well-known person appearing briefly as themselves rather than as a character. The comparison works because a cameo brooch shows a head or bust that anyone can recognise at a glance, just as a celebrity's brief appearance is instantly identifiable. Over time the word broadened. Today it covers any brief appearance, whether the performer plays a role or simply turns up as themselves.

Synonyms: appearance, role, guest role