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johnmperry commented on the word will it play in peoria
The saying, "Will it play in Peoria?" is traditionally used to ask whether a given product, person, promotional theme or event will appeal to mainstream (also called "Main Street") America, or across a broad range of demographic/psychographic groups. The phrase originated during the vaudeville era and was popularized in movies by Groucho Marx. The belief was that if a new show was successful in Peoria, a main Midwestern stop for vaudeville acts, it would be successful anywhere. The phrase subsequently was adopted by politicians, pollsters and promoters to question the potential mainstream acceptance of anything new.
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cf the man on the Clapham omnibus
June 22, 2008
darqueau commented on the word will it play in peoria
Peoria is an awful city.
June 22, 2008
Prolagus commented on the word will it play in peoria
And the locals are so picky!
November 28, 2010