celeb

A celeb is a colloquial abbreviation of the word celebrity, referring to a person who is widely known or famous, typically in entertainment, sports, fashion, politics, or social media. Celebrities may gain fame through achievements, public personas, or sustained media exposure, and they are often the subject of media coverage, fan attention, and branding.

The term dates from the 20th century and is common in journalism, entertainment reporting, and online discourse. It is informal and most appropriate in casual or media contexts; formal writing would use “celebrity” or “well-known person.” The plural form is “celebrities” or “celebs” informally.

Celebrities operate as public figures whose careers involve performances, endorsements, public appearances, or influence on trends. In modern media ecosystems, the line between traditional celebrities and social media influencers has blurred, with many individuals gaining fame primarily through platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok, and leveraging sponsorships or brand deals.

Criticism around celebrity culture includes concerns about privacy, the commodification of fame, and the pressures of public scrutiny. Critics argue that media ecosystems can amplify vanity, shallow values, or sensationalism, while proponents contend that celebrities can mobilize attention for charitable causes, social movements, or artistic innovation.

See also: celebrity, influencer, A-list, public figure.