Wiktionary
alt. (context slang English) A sofa on which a jobseeker is expected to perform sexual acts in return for a part in a film or other job. n. (context slang English) A sofa on which a jobseeker is expected to perform sexual acts in return for a part in a film or other job.
Wikipedia
The casting couch, casting-couch syndrome, or casting-couch mentality is the trading of sexual favors by an aspirant, apprentice employee, or subordinate to a superior in return for entry into an occupation, or for other career advancement within an organization. The term casting couch originated in the motion picture industry, with specific reference to couches in offices that could be used for sexual activity between casting directors or film producers and aspiring actors. It is not to be confused with the adult entertainment industry where such actions may be a prerequisite, although many pornographic films and pornographic websites play on the casting couch theme and allude to similarities one may find in casting couch scenarios in the film industry.
The term is now often used to refer to other industries besides entertainment, though careers which are highly desirable and traditionally difficult to break into, such as the movie, television and music industries, have been the subject of casting couch stories in popular culture. Such trading of favors can be an abuse of power—possibly even statutory rape—and can become a wider sex scandal if deemed newsworthy.
Usage examples of "casting couch".
It worked out that all my appointments that night requested special-purpose studios (one Back Seat, two Casting Couch and a Police Interrogation), so I didnt see the Professor again until the shift was over at three a.
It worked out that all my appointments that night requested special-purpose studios-(one Back Seat, two Casting Couch and a Police Interrogation), so I didn't see the Professor again until the shift was over at three A .
So, how about it, big boy, shall we adjourn to the 'casting couch'?
And to Claudia's astonishment, Vail was swallowing their praise like some starlet headed for the casting couch.
She'd been around Hollywood long enough to know all about the casting couch.
The talk was that she had done a turn upon some mythical council casting couch.
I have to say here that I am not a complete novice to the audition room or the casting couch.
He'd have the limelight back in a heartbeat -- all that glory, all that love -- and they'd be back on the casting couch in a week with their fannies in the air.
Without waiting for a response, he gave Serena the thorough twice-over look of a man who knew all the uses of power, ambition, and the casting couch.
In the corner there was that sort of daybed that Hollywood calls a 'casting couch'.
There was a wide damask covered divan in a shadowy corner, like a casting couch.