Bread-and-circus show

Posted by Bookworm on August 05, 2003

In Reply to: Bread-and-circus show posted by S. on August 05, 2003

: Judith Shulevitz used the phrase "bread-and-circus show" in a diary entry on Slate today, and having never heard this expression before, I was wondering what its origin and meaning might be.

: Thanks in advance for any assistance.

From Merriam-Webster Online:

Main Entry: bread and circuses
Function: noun plural
Etymology: translation of Latin panis et circenses
Date: 1914
: a palliative offered especially to avert potential discontent