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Craze: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿคช
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craze

 

[kreษชz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

current trend

A craze is a sudden, widespread enthusiasm for something, typically a fashion, activity, or idea. It is characterized by a high level of popularity and intense interest for a short period of time.

Synonyms

fad, mania, trend.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
craze

Usually refers to something extremely popular for a short period of time, often suddenly. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts.

  • There was a craze for rollerblading in the late '90s.
  • The latest dance craze is sweeping the nation.
fad

Describes a temporary, often short-lived enthusiasm for something. Typically has a slightly negative connotation, implying that it will not last.

  • The pet rock was just a fad.
  • Diet trends come and go, but this new fad is already losing popularity.
trend

Describes a general direction in which something is developing or changing. It is often used in a neutral or positive way to describe something more lasting than a craze or fad.

  • Eco-friendly products are becoming a major trend in consumer markets.
  • The latest fashion trends are inspired by 90s styles.
mania

Refers to an intense, often excessive enthusiasm or obsession for something. The term carries a strong, sometimes negative connotation.

  • The country was gripped by a mania for collecting vintage cars.
  • Football mania sweeps the country every World Cup season.

Examples of usage

  • The latest craze in fashion is oversized sunglasses.
  • The dance challenge on social media has become a craze among teenagers.
  • The viral video sparked a craze for the new dance move.
  • The craze for organic food has been growing steadily over the past few years.
Context #2 | Verb

to become obsessed with

To craze means to become extremely enthusiastic or obsessed with something. It often implies a temporary infatuation or intense interest that may fade over time.

Synonyms

fixate, infatuate, obsess.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
craze

Used to describe a popular trend or fad that many people are excited about.

  • The new dance craze has everyone hitting the dance floor.
  • The craze for avocado toast has taken over social media.
obsess

Carries a negative connotation, referring to a situation where someone cannot stop thinking about something, often resulting in stress or anxiety.

  • He became obsessed with his work, neglecting his family and friends.
  • She was obsessed with losing weight, counting every single calorie.
fixate

Often used when someone is overly focused on something, to the point of it being unhealthy or obsessive.

  • He tends to fixate on small details, making projects take longer than necessary.
  • Some fans fixate on their favorite celebrities, following their every move.
infatuate

Typically describes an intense but short-lived passion or admiration for someone or something.

  • Teenagers often become infatuated with movie stars.
  • She was infatuated with the idea of living in Paris.

Examples of usage

  • She crazed over the new celebrity gossip magazine.
  • He crazed about collecting vintage vinyl records.
  • The kids crazed for the latest video game release.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'craze' comes from the Middle English word 'crasen', which means to break or fracture, linking it to something that suddenly shatters normal behavior.
  • Originally, it referred to a mental state of being 'crazy', reflecting high enthusiasm or excitement.
  • The use of 'craze' in the context of trends or fads began emerging in the early 20th century, highlighting societal shifts.

Pop Culture

  • Many crazes throughout history, like the Pet Rock in the 1970s, show how quickly ideas can capture the public's imagination.
  • Dance crazes, such as the Macarena and the Electric Slide, have united people in joyful participation worldwide.
  • Reality TV often sparks crazes where viewers imitate the lifestyles of their favorite characters or celebrities.

Psychology

  • Crazes can often be explained by social proof; people tend to follow what others are doing, creating a bandwagon effect.
  • The excitement from a craze often satisfies a basic human need for belonging and identity within a group.
  • The 'fear of missing out' (FOMO) further fuels crazes, making people eager to join in before it's too late.

Technology

  • The rise of social media has accelerated the spread of crazes, allowing trends to go viral in days.
  • Apps like TikTok have created new crazes around challenges and dances, showcasing how technology influences our behavior.
  • Tech gadgets, such as fidget spinners, can become crazes, leading to massive sales and public interest.

Literature

  • Crazes often feature in stories, symbolizing the extremes of human behavior and societal pressures.
  • The novel 'The Great Gatsby' explores the crazes of the 1920s, capturing the allure and excess of that era.
  • Dystopian literature sometimes critiques crazes, showing their potential dangers and the loss of individuality.

Translations

Translations of the word "craze" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น mania

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค‰เคจเฅเคฎเคพเคฆ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Wahn

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ kegilaan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฑะพะถะตะฒั–ะปะปั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ mania

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็†ฑ็‹‚

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท folie

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ locura

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท รงฤฑlgฤฑnlฤฑk

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์—ด๊ด‘

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฌู†ูˆู†

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ลกรญlenstvรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ ลกialenstvo

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็‹‚็ƒญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ norost

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รฆรฐi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถั‹ะฝะดั‹ะปั‹า›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ’แƒ˜แƒŸแƒฃแƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ dษ™licษ™lik

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ locura

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,448, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.