showstoppers
|show-stop-per|
🇺🇸
/ˈʃoʊˌstɑpərz/
🇬🇧
/ˈʃəʊˌstɒpəz/
(showstopper)
something that 'stops' attention
Etymology
'showstopper' originates from modern English, specifically a compound of 'show' + 'stopper', where 'show' meant 'a public performance or display' and 'stopper' meant 'one that stops or halts (literally or figuratively)'.
'showstopper' developed in show-business usage in the 20th century as a term for an act so impressive that it 'stopped' the show for applause; the compound formed from the existing words 'show' and agentive 'stopper' and entered wider informal and technical use over time.
Initially it meant 'an act that stops the show by drawing prolonged applause'; over time the sense broadened to include 'any remarkable highlight' and, by figurative extension, 'a critical problem that stops progress'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an extraordinarily impressive performance, act, or feature that draws strong applause or admiration; a highlight.
The musical had several showstoppers that left the audience cheering for minutes.
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Noun 2
a major problem or defect that prevents a project, event, or process from proceeding (often used in technical or business contexts).
During the QA phase they discovered several showstoppers that forced them to postpone the launch.
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Last updated: 2025/12/25 05:16