PEEPING TOM Meaning and
Definition
-
Peeping Tom refers to a term predominantly used to describe an individual who secretly observes others, often without their consent or knowledge, while they are undressing, engaging in intimate activities, or in private settings. The term originated from the legendary story of Lady Godiva, an 11th-century noblewoman who rode naked through the streets of Coventry. According to the tale, a man named Tom could not resist his curiosity and watched her through a peephole, and thus became known as "Peeping Tom."
In contemporary usage, a peeping tom typically refers to someone who invades another person's privacy by spying on them without permission. This could involve spying through windows, using binoculars or cameras, or even secretly recording individuals in compromising situations. Peeping toms are often motivated by a voyeuristic desire for sexual gratification or based on an unhealthy obsession with obtaining glimpses into the private lives of others.
Peeping tom behavior is widely regarded as illegal, as it infringes upon the privacy rights of individuals. Depending on the jurisdiction, the act of being a peeping tom can lead to severe legal consequences, including criminal charges and potential imprisonment. Laws against voyeurism exist in many countries to protect citizens from such invasive practices and to maintain a sense of privacy and security within society.
Overall, a peeping tom is an individual who surreptitiously watches others without consent, often to satisfy their own voyeuristic desires, and their actions are considered unethical, intrusive, and in many cases, criminal.
Common Misspellings for PEEPING TOM
- oeeping tom
- leeping tom
- -eeping tom
- 0eeping tom
- pweping tom
- pseping tom
- pdeping tom
- preping tom
- p4eping tom
- p3eping tom
- pewping tom
- pesping tom
- pedping tom
- perping tom
- pe4ping tom
- pe3ping tom
- peeoing tom
- peeling tom
- pee-ing tom
- peeping tm
Etymology of PEEPING TOM
The term "peeping tom" refers to a person who secretly observes others, typically through windows or other means, without their knowledge or consent. The word "peeping tom" originated from an old English legend involving a man named Tom. There are different versions of the legend, but the most common one tells the story of Lady Godiva, an 11th-century noblewoman who supposedly rode through the streets of Coventry naked to protest against high taxes imposed by her husband. According to the legend, Tom, a tailor, could not resist the temptation to peep at Lady Godiva during her ride. Despite being told not to look, Tom reportedly made a hole in his shop doors and watched her from there. "Peeping Tom" eventually became synonymous with someone who engages in voyeuristic behavior, leading to the contemporary usage of the term.
Idioms with the word PEEPING TOM
-
a peeping Tom
The idiom "a peeping Tom" refers to someone who secretly watches or spies on others, especially while they are undressing or engaging in private activities, typically for their own gratification. This phrase is commonly used to describe a voyeuristic individual who invades others' privacy without their knowledge or consent.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
