candid camera

Meaning

1. A camera which is concealed or unobtrusive, used to obtain candid photographs of people who usually are unaware; the practice of taking such photos.
2. A humorous television show that uses hidden candid cameras to make jokes to people.

Synonyms

paparazzo

shutterbug

Etymology

Although used as its name, the term predates the long-running American television program Candid Camera (first broadcast in 1948).