A result, activity, task, or situation characterized by unprofessional, talentless, or careless performance(s). The term likely originates from or refers to The Original Amateur Hour, a radio and television talent program in the US that ran from the 1930s through the 1970s. Primarily heard in US, South Africa. I expected a better performance from our team today. Was it amateur hour today, or what? The actors were all dreadful in that production. It was a total amateur hour.