showstoppingadj.
/ˈʃəʊstɒpɪŋ/, U.S. /ˈʃoʊˌstɑpɪŋ/ Originally U.S.
1. Of a performance or performer: that prompts, or is such as might prompt, prolonged applause from the audience; that ‘stops the show’ (see to stop the show at stop v. 21c(b)). In extended use: very impressive, striking, or attractive. Cf. showstopper n. 1.
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society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > [adjective] > types of item
speciality1873
showstopping1917
thigh-slapping1932
supporting1947
1917 N.Y. Times 16 Dec. x7/6 That heaven of vaudevile [sic] accomplishment, a ‘show stopping’ hit.
1945 Clearfield (Pa.) Progress 30 Mar. 6/4 (advt.) Find that one show-stopping dress you want right here.
1962 Times 7 Dec. 8/7 There are few show-stopping solos of any length.
1985 Texas Monthly July 32/2 A show-stopping dish of tender, eat-with-your-fingers frogs' legs in spicy sauce.
1996 J. Dunning A. Ailey: Life in Dance (1998) ix. 99 The spectacular, sensuous allure of show-stopping dancers like Alvin Ailey.
2011 Time Out N.Y. 22 Sept. 63/3 A whirling dervish of extravagant sets, showstopping songs and jaw-dropping costumes.
2. Originally of a problem, mistake, etc.: that obstructs progress or leads to cancellation or failure unless resolved. Now (Aeronautics and Computing) of a technical failure, complication, or fault: that endangers or impedes a schedule, programme, or product function or release (cf. showstopper n. 2).
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1969 Gladewater (Texas) Mirror 9 Jan. 3/5 What had started in New York as a business slogan, almost posed a show stopping problem for him in Texas.
1979 New Statesman 2 Feb. 160/1 One show-stopping error in front of goal remains in my mind as one of those rare instances when one could feel a thrill of dreadful unanimity running through the Press Box.
1996 Network World (Electronic ed.) 2 Dec. 30 Suppose your development staff has just put a new application onto the network and you want TNG to monitor the application and notify you of any showstopping errors.
2003 N.Y. Times (Nexis) 6 July iv. 8/1 Admiral Gehman says the investigation has found no showstopping flaws. He expects the shuttles to resume flying in six to nine months.
2010 D. Woolridge & M. Schneider Business iPhone Devel. x. 371 [Letting users know that the issue is being addressed] should buy you enough time to investigate and resolve the showstopping bug.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2017; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.1917