How to Pronounce "break the fourth wall"
expression
ˈbɹeɪk/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈfɔɹθ/ /ˈwɔɫ
BRAYK thuh FORTH WAWL
bɹˈeɪk/ /ðə, ði/ /fˈɔːθ/ /wˈɔːl
br-AYK thuh FAWTH WAWL
Definition
To 'break the fourth wall' means that a character in a play, movie, or book speaks directly to the audience, showing they know they are in a story.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈbɹeɪk/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈfɔɹθ/ /ˈwɔɫ
British English
bɹˈeɪk/ /ðə, ði/ /fˈɔːθ/ /wˈɔːl
Simplified Pronunciation
US
BRAYK thuh FORTH WAWL
UK
br-AYK thuh FAWTH WAWL
Listen in Context
The actor breaks the fourth wall and talks to the people watching.
In the movie, a character breaks the fourth wall to explain the story.
Comedians sometimes break the fourth wall to joke directly with the audience.
When the main character winked at the camera, she really broke the fourth wall.