Fad Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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fad
[fæd ]
Definitions
short-lived
A fad is a fashion, interest, or activity that is very popular for a short period of time, often with no logical reason for its popularity.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| fad |
Used to describe something that becomes very popular for a short time but fades away quickly. Often associated with something superficial or without deep value.
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| trend |
Refers to a general direction in which something is developing or changing. Trends can be long-lasting and are often based on underlying social or economic factors.
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| craze |
Implies something that has an intense and widespread popularity for a short period. Often used to describe a collective enthusiasm or obsession that can seem unreasonable.
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Examples of usage
- The fidget spinner craze was just a fad.
- The trend of wearing bell-bottoms in the 70s was a fad that quickly passed.
trendy
A fad can also refer to a temporary enthusiasm or obsession for a particular thing or activity.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| fad |
A fad is a short-lived enthusiasm for something that quickly gains popularity but fades away just as quickly. Often used in a slightly negative or dismissive way.
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| craze |
A craze is similar to a fad but implies a more intense and widespread enthusiasm. It suggests that a large number of people are caught up in the excitement, often to an extreme degree.
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| trend |
A trend implies a general direction in which something is developing or changing, often over a longer period. It can refer to broader social, economic, or fashion movements and doesn't carry the negative connotations of fads or crazes.
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Examples of usage
- She always follows the latest fads in fashion.
- The new diet fad is sweeping the nation.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- The hula hoop became a massive fad in the late 1950s, capturing the imaginations of children and adults alike, spurring a sales boom.
- In the early 2000s, 'planking' became an internet fad, where people would lay face down in unusual places and post pictures online.
Psychology
- Fads often spread through social psychology concepts like conformity and peer pressure, where individuals adopt behaviors to fit in with a group.
- Studies show that the desire for novelty is a powerful motivator that drives individuals to participate in fads, even if they may not genuinely enjoy them.
Fashion
- In the 1980s, shoulder pads became a fashionable fad, making clothing look bulkier and emphasizing a powerful silhouette.
- The 'selfie' trend, where people take pictures of themselves and share online, exploded as a photographic fad in the 2010s, changing social media behaviors.
Technology
- The rise of virtual pets, like Tamagotchi in the 1990s, showcased how technology could create fads that captivated, especially children.
- In 2020, the popularity of video conferencing apps like Zoom became a sudden fad as remote work surged due to the pandemic.
Origin of 'fad'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'fad' comes from the Middle English word 'fadden,' which means to 'make a feint or a show,' indicating something that might appear significant but is often fleeting.
- In the late 19th century, the term started appearing in English to describe short-lived popular trends or crazes.
The word 'fad' originates from the 19th century, coming from the word 'faddle' which means 'to be foolish or waste time'. It evolved to describe something that is popular for a short period before fading away. Fads are often driven by social influences and media trends.