Eye candy

Meaning

The idiom "eye candy" is used to describe something that is visually appealing, attractive, or pleasing to the eye. It can refer to anything from a person's appearance to artwork or even food. The figurative meaning of the term is that it is something that is enjoyable and stimulating for the senses, rather than just being functional or practical.

Usage

• "I couldn't wait to see the beautiful sights in Paris – the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and all the eye candy on display!"
• "She was the eye candy of the party, with her stunning looks and infectious smile."
• "The artist had a keen eye for detail, which really brought out the beauty in the painting – it was like eye candy for art lovers."
• "I'm not much of a foodie, but even I couldn't resist the eye candy on display at the dessert buffet."
• "The car show was a feast for the eyes, with all the flashy, colorful, and eye-catching designs on display."

Roots and History

The origin of the idiom is unclear, but it has been in use since at least the 1970s. It may have emerged as a way to describe the visual appeal of advertising or marketing, with images of people or products being used to attract attention and stimulate desire. Over time, the term has come to be used more broadly to refer to anything that is visually pleasing or enjoyable to look at.

Synonyms in English

• "Gorgeous"
• "Beautiful"
• "Stunning"
• "Attractive"
• "Pleasing to the eye"

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish: "Hermoso/a" (beautiful)
• French: "Beau/e" (beautiful)
• Italian: "Bello/a" (beautiful)
• German: "Schön" (beautiful)
• Japanese: "美人" (beautiful person)

Similar Idioms

• bat an eye

• a sight for sore eyes

• catch eye