cameo
noun

- a small but noticeable part in a film, TV programme, or play, performed by a famous actor

- a short description or piece of acting which expresses cleverly and neatly the nature of a situation, event, or person's character

- a piece of jewellery, typically oval in shape, consisting of a portrait in profile carved in relief on a background of a different colour

Cambridge Dictionary, Collins Dictionary, Oxford English Dictionary

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WORD ORIGIN

The etymology of "cameo" is a fascinating journey through several languages and artistic traditions. The word comes from the Italian word cammeo, which emerged in the 13th century to describe a method of carving gemstones with raised relief designs.

Going further back, the Italian term likely derived from the Medieval Latin word cammaeus, which referred to a carved gemstone. Some etymologists believe there's a connection to the Arabic word qama'il, meaning "flower buds," possibly because early cameos sometimes featured floral designs.

Originally, cameos were specifically small carved gemstones or shells with a figure or scene in raised relief against a background of a different color. These were popular as jewelry and decorative items.

By the 19th century, the term expanded to include brief appearances by distinguished persons at events. This usage eventually transferred to theater, film, and television in the 20th century, where it came to mean a brief appearance by a well-known person in a performance, typically playing themselves or a minor character—the definition most commonly used today.

The linguistic evolution reflects how the word moved from describing a physical art form to a metaphorical "appearance" that stands out against its background, much like the raised figures on traditional cameo jewelry.

Several famous actors are known for making numerous cameo appearances:

- Stan Lee: He holds the record for the most cameos, appearing in over 40 Marvel movies and TV shows before his death in 2018.

- Bill Murray: Known for his cameos in films like “Zombieland” and “Space Jam”.

- Alfred Hitchcock: Famously appeared in many of his own films.

- Stephen King: Often appears in adaptations of his works, such as “Creepshow” and “Pet Sematary”.

- Martin Scorsese: Has appeared in several of his own films, including “Taxi Driver".

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DEEP IMPRESSIONS

A cameo is the delightful sleight of hand where a famous face flits across the screen for mere moments—and steals the show. Think Brad Pitt in “Deadpool 2” or Stephen King haunting his own adaptation in “It: Chapter Two”. These are not roles—they’re miniature masterpieces of presence. The best cameos reward the alert viewer and the actor who knows not to overstay their welcome. They remind us that surprise can have more power than spectacle.

In cinema, as in life, small gestures can leave the biggest and deepest impressions.

Helga & Paul Smith

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SYNONYMS

bit part, blink-and-miss (role/appearance), brief appearance (guest role, role, turn), CAMEO (appearance, flash, role), celebrity/featured/flash/fleeting/lightning/momentary appearance, curtain twitch, drive-by appearance, drop-by part, drop-in, flicker part, flyby, flying visit, glimpse/guest appearance, guest moment (shot, spot, starring role), in-and-out appearance (role), one-scene wonder, peek-in, poke-in, pop-in, pop-up appearance, quick take, short burst, snapshot role, special guest appearance, sudden show-up, surprise/token/uncredited appearance (role), walk-on (part, role), walk-through, whisper/wink to the audience

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SMUGGLE OWAD into an English conversation today, say something like:

“A well-timed CAMEO can humanize even the most corporate of messages.”

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THANKS to Flo for suggesting today's OWAD.

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