Learn English – what’s the meaning of “Smash office hit”

phrase-usage

I searched "Smash hit" meaning:

an unusually successful hit with widespread popularity and huge sales (especially a movie or play or recording or novel)

I'd seen a speech where they used "Smash office hit". I am not sure if it makes sense to add a noun word btw "smash hit". And what will it mean if it does make sense?

Best Answer

The term "box office" refers to the office from which cinema (or theatre) tickets are purchased. A box office smash is a film or theatrical production that produces significant profit for the producers, and the term "smash hit" refers to the same thing.

The term "smash office hit" was coined either by a non-English speaker who was unfamiliar with the vernacular terms from which it was formed, or by an English speaker who had heard the terms but did not understand what they mean.

In any case, the term "smash office hit" is confusing, meaningless, and a kind of malapropism. Use the original smash hit or box office smash instead.