blooper

Blooper is a term used in film, television, radio, and live performance to describe a mistake made during shooting or broadcasting that is unplanned and typically humorous. Bloopers can include mispronounced lines, flubbed deliveries, pratfalls, prop or costume mishaps, or technical glitches. When such errors are captured on film or video and released for entertainment, they are usually called bloopers, outtakes, or gag reels.

Origin of the term blooper is uncertain; it entered American slang in the 20th century and gained popularity as studios began releasing compilations of on-set mistakes in the mid- to late- 1900s.

Common categories include line flubs, misread lines, unintentional improvisations, and accidents with equipment. Live broadcasts can produce bloopers when errors slip through the broadcast but are subsequently recorded or observed by on-site crew. Bloopers are often included in home video releases, television specials, or online platforms as part of behind-the-scenes or humor-focused programming.

Not all bloopers are released; some are kept private as outtakes in the editing process. The terms 'outtake' and 'blooper' are sometimes used interchangeably, but outtakes more broadly refer to any unused footage, while bloopers emphasize the errors captured during performance.

Bloopers provide a glimpse into the human side of media production and can influence audience perception of performers. They are widely shared online through clips, compilations, and streaming services, contributing to the broader culture of behind-the-scenes humor.