ENGLISH
REFERENCE

sitcom

n.
US //ˈsɪtˌkɑm// UK //sˈɪtkɒm// sit·com
  1. 1 television comedy (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a funny TV show about a group of people who are in the same place every week, like a family or office.

    a television or radio series featuring a consistent set of characters in everyday situations, often using a laugh track or live audience.

    Example

    My favourite sitcom is about a group of friends living in New York.

    Example

    The network's latest sitcom relies heavily on nostalgic tropes and a traditional multi-camera setup to appeal to older viewers.

    Usage

    often used as a compound noun or before another noun, as in 'sitcom star' or 'sitcom writer'.

    • comedy series
    • situation comedy
  2. 2 financial acronym (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Informal British English

    a person or couple with one income, two children, and a very large mortgage.

    an acronym for 'single income, two children, outrageous mortgage', used to describe a specific socioeconomic demographic.

    Example

    With rising house prices, many young families are living as sitcoms.

    Example

    The report highlighted the growing number of 'sitcoms' in the suburbs who are struggling to keep up with high interest rates on a single salary.

    Usage

    used primarily in sociological or financial discussions regarding housing affordability.

Origin

Shortening of situation comedy.

Word family

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