The term "guilty pleasure" refers to something that a person enjoys or finds pleasure in, despite knowing that it is often considered a bit embarrassing, trivial, or not socially acceptable. It can be a specific type of music, TV show, book, food, or activity that someone takes joy in, even though they might feel a sense of shame or guilt about their enjoyment of it. Essentially, it's something that provides pleasure but goes against one's usual preferences or societal norms.
The term "guilty pleasure" combines two English words: "guilty," which derives from the Old English "gylt," meaning "a sin or crime," and "pleasure," which comes from the Latin "placere," meaning "to please." Together, they create a phrase that highlights the contrast between the feeling of guilt and the enjoyment derived from a specific activity or interest.