Fad: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

• Yo-yo's were just a fad in the 90s.
• That diet was just a fad; people are already moving on to something else.

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.

• The trend towards remote work has been accelerating since the pandemic.
• Eco-friendly products are more than a trend; they reflect a deeper change in consumer behavior.

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.

• The Pokémon craze took over schools all around the world.
• There was a craze for skateboarding in the early 2000s.

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.

• The fidget spinner was just a fad; hardly anyone uses them now.
• Remember the pet rock craze? That was such a bizarre fad.

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.

• The Pokémon Go craze had people of all ages roaming the streets in search of virtual creatures.
• The hula hoop craze of the 1950s swept across the nation.

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.

• Eco-friendly products are more than just a trend; they are a necessary shift toward sustainability.
• Vintage fashion has turned into a lasting trend over the past decade.