Search from various English teachers...
Terry
What does "perverse pleasure" mean?
What does "perverse pleasure" mean?
I think perverse pleasure means false pleasure. Is it right?
Mar 10, 2017 12:47 PM
Answers · 2
1
Not quite. 'Perverse' usually means doing something against the natural order.
A perverse pleasure is something you enjoy, but probably shouldn't. Perhaps a favourite food you are allergic to. Or laughing when someone falls and hurts themselves. Picking scabs off your knee, knowing it's going to bleed...
March 10, 2017
"Perverse pleasure" means something that seems as if it should not be enjoyable, but that you enjoy.
"I should read 'better' books, but the fact is that I take a perverse pleasure in reading Lee Child's cheesy thrillers about Jack Reacher."
For example, in a Gilbert and Sullivan song, a character sings:
"Oh, don't the days seem lank and long
When all goes right and nothing goes wrong,
And isn't your life extremely flat
With nothing whatever to grumble at!"
This character takes a perverse pleasure in being irritated, because he actually likes complaining about how terrible everything is.
March 10, 2017
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!
Terry
Language Skills
English, Korean
Learning Language
English
Articles You May Also Like

Same Word, Different Meaning: American, British, and South African English
11 likes · 8 Comments

How to Sound Confident in English (Even When You’re Nervous)
13 likes · 11 Comments

Marketing Vocabulary and Phrases for Business English Learners
10 likes · 4 Comments
More articles