Eye candy - see ear candy
Definitions
visually appealing
To describe someone or something that is attractive or pleasing to look at, often in a superficial or shallow waysuperficially pleasing
To convey that someone or something only looks good on the surface, but lacks substance or depthtemptation or distraction
To refer to something or someone that is tempting or distracting to look at, but may not be good for one's well-being or productivity
Examples of Eye candy - see ear candy
The fashion show was filled with eye candy.
This idiom is used to describe attractive people as if they are a visual treat, like candy that is pleasing to the eye. It's similar to how one might call a beautifully designed car or a scenic view "eye candy." However, in this context, it is being used to describe the models on the runway.
The musician's voice was pure ear candy.
Similar to "eye candy," "ear candy" is used to describe pleasing sounds, as if they were a treat for the ears. It can be used to describe music, voices, or even sounds in nature. In this example, the listener is implying that the musician's voice was so pleasant and enjoyable to listen to that it was akin to eating candy, which is a sweet and delicious treat for the senses.
The art gallery featured some ear candy.
While "eye candy" is more commonly used to describe visual pleasures, "ear candy" can be used to describe auditory ones as well. In this instance, the person is admiring the ability of the music or sound installations to delight and captivate the ear, much like how "eye candy" refers to captivating visuals.
Her laughter was candy for the ears.
Similar to how one might enjoy eating candy, a pleasing sound can create feelings of joy and delight. In this case, "her laughter" is being compared to an auditory treat that is immensely pleasing to the ear. The speaker is suggesting that the sound of this woman's laughter is so delightful that it's like eating candy.
The runway models in their elaborate outfits were pure eye candy for the fashion enthusiasts in the audience.
In this example, the idiom "eye candy" is being used as a figure of speech to describe visually attractive people, particularly the models in the fashion show. It highlights the fact that the models' appearance, much like candy, is sweet and pleasing to the eye.
The latest pop album by the rising sensation is pure ear candy, filled with catchy melodies and addictive hooks that are impossible to resist.
Here, "ear candy" is being used as a metaphor to describe something that is pleasing to the ear, in this case, referring to the music. Just as candy satisfies and delights the taste buds, music that is pleasing to the ear is satisfying and delightful to listen to.
The stunning sunset over the horizon was a feast for the eyes, like eye candy that left me spellbound.
This example uses the idiom "eye candy" to describe a captivating visual sight, like a sunset. The comparison between a sunset and eye candy highlights its visual beauty and vividness, which is just as captivating and pleasing as candy to the eyes.
The jazz concert was a symphony for the ears, with each note a highlight, and every melody pure ear candy.
In this example, "ear candy" is used to describe how pleasing the sounds, melodies, and notes of the jazz music were at the concert. The comparison highlights the fact that listening to such music is just as delightful as eating candy. Similarly, the phrase "symphony for the ears" emphasizes how the music was a harmonious blend of melodies that delighted and charmed the audience.
Conclusion
The idiom "eye candy" is most commonly used to describe something or someone that is visually appealing. It can be used in a positive sense to express admiration or attraction, but can also have a negative connotation when used to imply shallowness or lack of substance.In some cases, "eye candy" is used to caution against being drawn in by superficial appearances and to remind others to look beyond the surface. It can also be used to describe something that is alluring or tempting, but may not be beneficial in the long run.
Origin of "Eye candy - see ear candy"
The origin of the idiom "eye candy" is believed to come from the phrase "ear candy," which was used in the 1960s to describe music that was catchy but lacked substance. As the phrase became popular, it was eventually adapted to "eye candy" to refer to visually appealing things or people.
The use of "candy" in the idiom reflects the idea that something may look attractive and tempting, but may not necessarily be good for you. It also plays on the idea of something being sweet and enjoyable, but not necessarily fulfilling.
Overall, the idiom "eye candy" is a playful and somewhat lighthearted way to describe something or someone that is visually appealing, but may not have much depth or substance. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts, and its origins in the phrase "ear candy" suggest that it has been used to describe superficial things for decades.