Pronunciation: [sˈɛlɛb] (IPA) 
The word "celeb" is a slang term used to refer to a famous person, typically a celebrity. The spelling of this word is often debated, as some people spell it "celeb" and others spell it "celebrity." This is due to the fact that "celeb" is an abbreviated form of the full word, and some people prefer to use the full word when referring to a famous individual. In IPA phonetic transcription, "celeb" is pronounced /sɛlɛb/.
The term "celeb" is a colloquial abbreviation for the word "celebrity." It refers to a person who has gained notable recognition, fame, or popularity in various areas of entertainment, sports, politics, or any other field that garners public attention. A "celeb" often has a significant following and is celebrated for their achievements, talent, or charisma.
"Celeb" is predominantly used in informal or tabloid language, social media platforms, and casual conversations. It commonly represents individuals who have achieved widespread fame through their work in movies, music, television, fashion, modeling, or any form of artistic expression. They are often idolized, emulated, and closely followed by admirers and fans who are fascinated with their lifestyle, charm, or accomplishments.
The term can also encompass individuals who have gained recognition for their noteworthy contributions to society, politics, or philanthropy. Due to the widespread influence of social media, the definition of a "celeb" has expanded to include internet personalities and influencers who have amassed a substantial online following and monetized their platforms.
While the term "celeb" is typically associated with admiration and fascination, it can also be used more cynically, denoting individuals who are predominantly famous for their fame, lacking significant talent or merit. Regardless, the term primarily defines a person who has achieved wide-ranging recognition and prominence, capturing the attention and interest of the public on various levels.
The word "celeb" is a clipped form of the word "celebrity". Clipping is a linguistic process in which a word is shortened by removing one or more syllables or sounds. In this case, the word "celebrity" has been shortened by removing the "-rity" suffix and retaining only the syllable "celeb". The use of "celeb" as a shortened form of "celebrity" began to gain popularity in the late 20th century and has been commonly used in informal contexts, such as tabloid journalism and popular culture.
