Originally cameo role meant a small character part that stands out from the other minor parts. The Oxford English Dictionary connects this with the meaning a short literary sketch or portrait, which is based on the literal meaning of  cameo .More recently, cameo has come to refer to any short appearances, whether as a character or as oneself, such as the examples below.he Oxford English Dictionary connects this with the meaning a short literary sketch or portrait, which is based on the literal meaning of  cameo . More recently, cameo has come to refer to any short appearances, whether as a character or as oneself, such as the examples below.