- This term could be considered a hyperbole. One does not literally "bomb" the photo but is said to have ruined it. This term could have been coined for creativity. The person doing the bombing may sometimes stand out as much or even more than the intended focus of the picture. They at first may go unnoticed, but will suddenly "pop out" from the picture, which could be a reason why the word "bombing" was chosen.
Photo-bombing
noun; clipping; compounding
the act of ruining pictures by making an awkward or unpleasant face in the background of what is being focused on. A photobomber is not the focus of the picture, but a part of the background.
Etymology : Photo-bombing was formed by clipping of the word photograph which is of Greek origin blending it with the word "bomb" coming from Latin word was added.
Source : Facebook photo comment on a picture in which a friend was in the background making a cross-eyed face while a couple was the main focus of the picture taken.
Last modified: 1 December 2011