Do they?
A few weeks ago we took the kids out for dinner because it was our oldest daughter’s birthday. And while we were out, the phrase, “it was a gong show” was used. The kids, of course, wanted to know what we meant by “gong show”. Now how do you explain that one when they have absolutely zero context for it?
So I tried to explain..and the context became clear as I talked:
“Well, it was a TV show when Dad and I were kids. And people would go on the show, and perform these acts, and there were these three judges, and…well, it was a bit like American Idol…except if the judges didn’t like the act, they’d ring this big gong.”
And it’s so funny, but it’s true. The Gong Show was a bit like American Idol:
Or perhaps a bit more like the Britain’s/America’s Got Talent shows (check out the buzzers…reminiscent of the gong, no?):
OMG! So true! I just remember getting a drum set for Christmas one year and my plan was to practice my heart out and go on the Gong Show. I think I actually drummed once.