peeping Tom

Note: This page may contain content that is offensive or inappropriate for some readers.

peeping Tom

A person (typically referring to a man) who secretly watches people undressing or engaging in sex without their consent. Unless you want to be a target for peeping Toms, you better get curtains for your bedroom windows soon.
See also: peep, tom
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

peeping Tom

A person who secretly watches others, especially for sexual gratification; a voyeur. For example, The police caught a peeping Tom right outside their house. This expression, first recorded in 1796, alludes to the legend of the tailor Tom, the only person to watch the naked Lady Godiva as she rode by and who was struck blind for this sin.
See also: peep, tom
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

a ˌPeeping ˈTom

(disapproving) a person who likes to watch people secretly, especially when they are taking off their clothesIn 1040 in the English town of Coventry, Lady Godiva rode through the streets completely naked in an attempt to make her husband change his mind about forcing people to pay high taxes. In the story, only one man, Tom, watched her and he suddenly became blind.
See also: Peep, tom
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

peeping Tom

A person who secretly watches others, especially for sexual gratification. This term, first recorded in 1796, alludes to the legend of tailor Tom, the only one to watch the naked Lady Godiva as she rode by and who was struck blind for doing so. Many localities have “peeping Tom laws,” ordinances usually based on principles of invading privacy. The traditional peeping Tom involves a man peering through a window into a private dwelling, but today’s advanced technology may involve a spy camera, telescope, or hidden recording equipment observing someone remotely. The Athens Banner-Herald reported police were looking for a peeping Tom who spied on a fifteen-year-old girl, standing on a five-gallon bucket to peep through a crack in the girl’s mini-blinds (July 26, 2010). The British Sunday Mirror reported a case of a landlord spying on girl tenants in their bathroom via sophisticated recording equipment that taped all their actions (August 16, 1998).
See also: peep, tom
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
See also:
  • a Peeping Tom
  • upskirt
  • talk past each other
  • talk past one another
  • vice
  • vice ring
  • on the quiet
  • tiptoe around (someone or something)
  • talking
  • deep state
References in periodicals archive
Tomorrow, 20 years after Powell's death on February 19, 1990 and 50 years after Peeping Tom was released on May 16, 1960, this unforgettable classic is back on the silver screen.
A film that was half a century ahead of itself
I feel angry, hurt and betrayed that Mum picked a peeping Tom over me."
I used a hidden video camera to film my mum's boyfriend SPYING ON ME while I showered; EXCLUSIVE ..YET SHE'S STILL GOING TO MARRY THE OLD PERVERT AND WANTS ME TO BE BRIDESMAID! BEST FOR REAL LIFE
A PEEPING Tom CCTV operator is facing jail after he admitted using a council camera to spy on a woman.
TV PEEPING TOM COULD BE JAILED
A HI-TECH peeping Tom secretly filmed guests as they walked around naked at his luxury bed and breakfast retreat, a court heard yesterday.
Guest house owner was a hi- tech peeping Tom
In August this year the Daily Mirror revealed how Edwards was being investigated by police over Peeping Tom allegations.
Uniteds in Shame: CAUGHT AGAIN.
A rare bust of legendary voyeur Peeping Tom has gone on display at a Coventry pub after being removed from the city in the 1960s.
Ever wondered what happened to Peeping Tom? is! he Leer
A PEEPING Tom who spied on women using a toilet at T In The Park was fined pounds 600 yesterday.
'Carry On' toilet perv fined pounds 600
A PEEPING Tom CCTV operator could be jailed after he admitted using a council camera to spy on a woman.
PEEPING TOM TV SECURITY OFFICER IS FACING JAIL
SOME lively dancing to the powerful plugged-in sound of Coventry's famous leather-clad line-up, Peeping Tom will no doubt take place tomorrow.
Peeping Tom a folk act worth spying out; FOLK
A PEEPING Tom was caught out by his footprints in snow, a jury was told yesterday.
'Peeper left snow print' COURT
A PEEPING Tom has been banned from going out at night without a fluorescent jacket.
Perv's light sentence
FOUR men arrested in a council CCTV peeping tom investigation have appeared for the first time at Liverpool crown court.
Men accused of CCTV voyeurism face court
You can also subscribe to Peeping Tom's newsletter by emailing peepingtom@parrymac.plus.com.
Peepers wind up their popular ceilidhs
The Peeping Tom is slim, 30 to 35, and has a white circular logo on his fleece.
Peeping Tom is caught peeping
A PEEPING tom caught spying on two girls claimed he was trying to revive an old island courting custom.
PEEPER CAUGHT