taste-maker
/ˈteɪstˌmeɪkər/
Meaning
A 'taste-maker' is an influential person or organization that decides or significantly influences what is fashionable, popular, or acceptable in a particular field, such as music, art, fashion, or food. They have the power to launch careers simply by endorsing a product or artist. The tone is respectful and recognizes cultural influence.
Examples
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As an influential radio DJ, she has been a leading taste-maker in the indie music scene for decades.
As an influential radio DJ, she has been a leading taste-maker in the indie music scene for decades.
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Fashion bloggers have replaced traditional magazine editors as the primary taste-makers of our generation.
Fashion bloggers have replaced traditional magazine editors as the primary taste-makers of our generation.
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Getting your book recommended by a major taste-maker can instantly turn it into a bestseller.
Getting your book recommended by a major taste-maker can instantly turn it into a bestseller.
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The gallery owner is known as a ruthless taste-maker who can make or break an artist's career overnight.
The gallery owner is known as a ruthless taste-maker who can make or break an artist's career overnight.
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Tech reviewers on YouTube act as taste-makers, shaping consumer opinions on which gadgets to buy.
Tech reviewers on YouTube act as taste-makers, shaping consumer opinions on which gadgets to buy.
Common Mistakes
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✗ She is a taste-maker because she cooks very delicious meals.
✓ She is a taste-maker because she influences what food trends people follow.
'Taste-maker' refers to aesthetic, cultural, or artistic taste (preferences and trends), not the physical sense of taste or culinary skill.
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✗ The taste-maker of the machine makes sure it operates correctly.
✓ The trendsetter of the industry makes sure it operates correctly.
A taste-maker is a person who influences cultural trends, not a technical controller or quality inspector.
Related Expressions
Practice
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The young designer's collection caught the eye of a prominent ___ who featured it on Instagram.
💡 An influential person who shapes trends
Show answer
taste-maker
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In the 1990s, music television was the ultimate ___ for teenage culture.
💡 An entity that decides what is popular
Show answer
taste-maker