A piece of jewelry featuring a raised relief carving, or a brief appearance by a well-known person in a film or show.
From Italian 'cammeo,' possibly from Arabic 'qamaa'il' meaning 'flower buds,' or from Latin 'camaeus.' The term for brief appearances developed in the 20th century, comparing such roles to the small, precious nature of cameo jewelry.
Alfred Hitchcock popularized the modern 'cameo appearance' by inserting himself into his films, turning what was once just a jewelry term into a beloved cinematic tradition! The connection makes perfect sense—both cameos are small, precious, and meant to be noticed by those paying attention.
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