IELTS Topical VocabularyFame & Celebrity

The expressions printed in bold within the paragraphs below can enrich your vocabulary range when you're writing or speaking about topics related to fame and celebrity.

Being a celebrity is often considered a double-edged sword. While the VIP treatment, opportunities, and public adoration can be intoxicating, the constant paparazzi intrusion and invasion of privacy make it feel like living in a fishbowl. Celebrities often sacrifice their personal lives and autonomy in exchange for fame, and the price of that fame is often too high for many. It's a difficult balance to strike, and many celebrities struggle to maintain their sanity and happiness in the face of the constant public scrutiny.

a double-edged sword:
something that has both positive and negative consequences
the VIP treatment:
special treatment given to important or famous people
public adoration:
a strong, positive feeling of love and respect that the public has for someone
paparazzi intrusion:
the act of the paparazzi invading celebrities' private lives in order to take photos or gather information
invasion of privacy:
unwanted intrusion into someone's private life or space
living in a fishbowl:
feeling like you're constantly being watched and that you have no privacy
constant public scrutiny:
the constant, intense attention and judgment that celebrities face from the public and media

Living as a celebrity often means living under the microscope, with constant media attention and a lack of privacy. The price of fame is high, with celebrity status often leading to a loss of anonymity and the inability to live a private life.

under the microscope:
constantly being observed and examined
price of fame:
the negative effects or sacrifices that come with being famous
celebrity status:
being known and admired by many people
loss of anonymity:
no longer being able to move around in public without being recognized

Fame can be fleeting and unpredictable. While some celebrities enjoy a long and steady career in the public eye, others experience fifteen minutes of fame before fading into obscurity. For those who become a household name, the pressure cooker of celebrity can be difficult to handle, with the constant scrutiny and pressure to maintain their fame. Unfortunately, some celebrities experience a rapid rise to fame, only to crash and burn like a shooting star, their fame disappearing as quickly as it came.

in the public eye:
being known or famous in society
fifteen minutes of fame:
a brief period of fame
obscurity:
being unknown or forgotten
household name:
a person or thing that is very famous and widely known
pressure cooker of celebrity:
the intense stress and pressure that comes with being famous
shooting star:
a celebrity who experiences a quick rise to fame but then disappears just as quickly

For some people, fame and fortune is the ultimate goal, and they will do anything to be in the limelight, seeking public approval and recognition. But fame is a fickle mistress, and not all who chase it are able to ride the wave of popularity for long. Some may become a flash in the pan, quickly fading from the public consciousness once their fifteen minutes of fame have passed.

in the limelight:
being the center of attention or having a lot of publicity
seeking public approval:
trying to gain favor or admiration from the public
fame is a fickle mistress:
fame is unpredictable and can be fleeting or elusive
ride the wave of popularity:
enjoying a period of popularity or fame
a flash in the pan:
a brief period of success or fame that is quickly forgotten

For those who find themselves in the spotlight, life in the fast lane can be exhilarating. From the glitz and glamor of fame to the trappings of wealth and success, it's easy to get swept up in the allure of celebrity. But as quickly as the spotlight shines, it can just as quickly disappear, leaving some celebrities with a swift fall from grace. Suddenly, the once-famed face is yesterday's news, leaving them to navigate a new reality that may not be as glamorous as it once was.

life in the fast lane:
a lifestyle characterized by high speed and intense activity.
glitz and glamor of fame:
the flashy, luxurious aspects of fame
trappings of wealth and success:
the material possessions and luxuries associated with being wealthy and successful
allure of celebrity:
the appeal or attractiveness of being famous
fall from grace:
a downward turn in fortune or reputation, often as a result of bad behavior or scandals

At the peak of their success, celebrities live the high life. With the red carpet treatment and all the trappings of fame, they are treated like Hollywood royalty. Doors open for them wherever they go, and it seems like the world is their oyster. They become larger than life, their every move watched and scrutinized by the public. But beneath the surface, the price of stardom can be high, with long hours, intense pressure, and constant scrutiny taking a toll on their personal lives and mental health.

the high life:
a luxurious lifestyle
red carpet treatment:
Being treated like a VIP
Hollywood royalty:
celebrities who are very successful and well-known
the world is their oyster:
everything is within reach or achievable
larger than life:
looking more extraordinary and impressive and therefore more attractive
the price of stardom:
the personal costs, such as loss of privacy, intense pressure, and constant scrutiny, that come with fame and success