Meanings
- object-oriented programmingcomputingA software design principle, stated as "Don't call us, we'll call you", that assists in the development of code with high cohesion and low coupling that is easier to debug, maintain and test.
Synonyms: inversion of control
Synonyms & antonyms
proper nounA software design principle, stated as "Don't call us, we'll call you", that assists in the development of code with high cohesion and low coupling that is easier to debug, maintain and test.
Origin
In reference to the phrase don't call us, we'll call you, supposed to be a common dismissal from Hollywood film auditions and hiring organizations, but used here regarding function calls.
Full word history & related roots →Cite this entry
Hollywood principle. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Hollywood%20principle
“Hollywood principle.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Hollywood%20principle. Accessed November 5, 2026.
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Hollywood principle,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Hollywood%20principle.
Source: Hollywood principle on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.