15 minutes of shame

English

Etymology

Blend of 15 minutes of fame +‎ shame, because of the rhyme.

Noun

15 minutes of shame pl (plural only)

1. (uncommon, humorous) A very short time in a negative spotlight of shame in individuals who have been subjected to public criticism and humiliation.
   • 2016, Tony A. Gaskins, Jr., The Dream Chaser, John Wiley & Sons, →ISBN, page 214:

     It's all how you handle your 15 minutes of fame or your 15 minutes of shame. If you do enough good deeds, then eventually people will forget the fool you made of yourself or the mistakes you made in the past.

See also

• 15 minutes of fame