Apollo play

noun

Etymology

Formed by compounding the nouns Apollo + play. Sense 1 is in reference to the historic Apollo Theather located in Harlem, NYC, and sense 2 is possibly in reference to the Greek god Apollo. See OED Apollo, n., OED play, n. III 16a.

Meaning & use

  1. 2005–An act, front, or dramatic performance, typically considered unnecessary and over-the-top.

    cultural In reference to Harlem's historic Apollo Theater, a popular venue for Black performers.

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    2005
    He was now sad as a poor chick's funeral with that Apollo play.
    J. Toghill Complete Sailing Manual 48/1
  2. 2017–The planet Earth.
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    2017
    The cat is so out there he's not even part of the Apollo play.
    New Scientist 3 June 17/1
    2021
    Apollo play: (1940's) the planet earth.
    Guardian Nexis 9 July