Hype Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hype

[haɪp ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

media promotion

Hype refers to extravagant or intensive publicity or promotion of a product, event, or idea. It is often characterized by excessive excitement and anticipation, typically generated through advertising and media coverage.

Synonyms

buzz, excitement, promotion, publicity.

Examples of usage

  • The hype surrounding the new smartphone launch was unprecedented.
  • There was a lot of hype before the concert, making it hard to get tickets.
  • Despite the hype, the movie received mixed reviews.
  • Many people are skeptical of the hype surrounding weight loss supplements.
Context #2 | Verb

create excitement

To hype means to promote or publicize something in an exaggerated or pretentious manner, often to create excitement or anticipation. It can also involve making something appear more impressive than it actually is.

Synonyms

exaggerate, promote, sensationalize.

Examples of usage

  • The marketing team worked hard to hype the release of the new product.
  • He hyped his performance before the competition.
  • The influencers hyped the brand on social media.
  • They hyped the festival to draw in more attendees.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Media and Advertising

  • Hype is often used in marketing campaigns to build excitement before a product release, seen with movies, games, and technology.
  • Social media significantly amplifies hype, allowing information to spread rapidly and influence public perception.
  • Influencers frequently create hype by sharing teasers about upcoming events or products, leading to increased consumer interest.

Psychology

  • Heightened expectations can cause a phenomenon known as the 'hype cycle', where initial excitement eventually leads to disillusionment.
  • Studies show that people often judge a product based on hype rather than its actual quality, which can affect satisfaction.
  • Social proof, where others' enthusiasm influences individual perceptions, plays a key role in creating hype.

Pop Culture

  • Hyped events, like celebrity award shows or major movie releases, often dominate conversations and social media feeds.
  • Virality, driven by social media hype, has transformed how trends emerge and fade quickly in popular culture.
  • Music releases often come with significant hype, with pre-release singles setting the stage for chart-topping albums.

Economics

  • In financial markets, hype can lead to speculative bubbles, where asset prices soar based on excitement rather than fundamentals.
  • Cryptocurrency markets are particularly susceptible to hype, where news can dramatically affect prices in short time frames.
  • Understanding hype is crucial in economics as it helps explain consumer behavior and market trends.

Origin of 'hype'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'hype' is believed to have originated from the word 'hyperbole', which means exaggerated statements.
  • It first became popular in the 1960s and was frequently used in advertising to attract attention.
  • The slang usage of 'hype' evolved through the hip-hop community, blending into mainstream culture.

The term 'hype' originated in the early 20th century, initially as a slang abbreviation for 'hyperbole,' which means exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally. The use of 'hype' in the context of promotion and marketing began to gain traction in the 1960s and 1970s, particularly within the advertising industry. It was often used to describe the overzealous promotion of products, events, and celebrities, leading to heightened public interest and visibility. Over time, 'hype' evolved in usage to encompass the broader spectrum of excitement generated around cultural phenomena, trends, and consumer goods. Today, it is commonly associated with marketing strategies that emphasize emotional appeal and sensational presentation, both in traditional media and on social media platforms, influencing how products and events are perceived by the public.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,816, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.