Behind the Scenes - Theatre Etymology - Part 11

When something is done behind the scenes, that means that it is done in secret from the public. Only a few people who are involved with the action know what is happening. This can be anywhere. It may be done in government, in a school, in a club, or even within a family among different members. A person might even refer to intimate times as "behind the scenes" from others.

The term "behind the scenes" comes from theatre. It can also be used in television and in film. It literally means the action that goes on behind the scenery of a play (or television show or movie). A lot has to happen for a show to be made. The actors are not the only people who make a show. There are people who run lights and sound. There are people who make sure the set is made and in place. There are people who work on costumes. There are often people who move props (although sometimes the actors do this). There's the writer or writers. There's the director. There are usually even more people.

As for the etymology of each word, behind comes from the Middle English word "behinde" or "behinden" or the Old English word "behindan." Then, scene comes from the Latin word "scēna" which comes from the Greek word "skēnḗ" meaning a booth where actors dressed.

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