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peanut gallery

Any source of heckling, unwelcome commentary or criticism, especially from a know-it-all or of an inexpert nature.

Etymology:

  • The phrase comes from nineteenth-century vaudeville theatres and refers to the cheap seats at the back of the theatre or in the upper balcony. It came to be applied to other venues as well, referring to the section where less-educated or less-seriously-interested patrons sat. The "peanut" comes from the popularity of that cheap snack in those sections, and the possibility that patrons might throw peanuts at the stage if displeased.
  • In the mid-twentieth century, the "Howdy Doody Show" associated "peanut gallery" specifically with children.
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Submitted on September 01, 2009

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גלריית בוטנים

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    "peanut gallery." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/peanut-gallery_6052>.

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