Wannabe: meaning, definitions and examples
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wannabe
[ ˈwɒnəbi ]
aspiring performer
A wannabe is a person who aspires to be like someone else, often a famous performer or celebrity, but lacks the talent or skill to do so. Wannabes may imitate the style or behavior of their idols in an attempt to emulate their success.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She's just a wannabe trying to copy Beyoncé's dance moves.
- He's a wannabe actor who auditions for every role but never gets cast.
person trying to fit in
In a different context, a wannabe can refer to a person who tries too hard to fit in with a particular group or social circle, often by adopting the fashion, speech, or interests of that group. Wannabes may lack authenticity and come across as insincere or desperate.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She's such a wannabe, wearing designer clothes just to impress those girls.
- He's a wannabe skater, but he can't even ride a skateboard properly.
Translations
Translations of the word "wannabe" in other languages:
🇵🇹 aspirante
🇮🇳 आकांक्षी
🇩🇪 Möchtegern
🇮🇩 calon
🇺🇦 амбіційна людина
🇵🇱 aspirant
🇯🇵 なりたがり
🇫🇷 prétendant
🇪🇸 aspirante
🇹🇷 özentilik
🇰🇷 흉내내는 사람
🇸🇦 طموح
🇨🇿 aspirant
🇸🇰 ambiciózny človek
🇨🇳 想要成为的人
🇸🇮 ambiciozna oseba
🇮🇸 metnaðargjarn einstaklingur
🇰🇿 үмітті
🇬🇪 ამბიციური ადამიანი
🇦🇿 iddialı
🇲🇽 aspirante
Word origin
The term 'wannabe' originated in the 1980s and is a blend of 'want to be.' It gained popularity in the context of aspiring performers and later expanded to include those trying to fit in with specific social groups. The term is often used pejoratively to describe individuals perceived as lacking originality or authenticity.
See also: wane.