craze
KRAYZ
/kreɪz/
An enthusiasm for a particular thing or activity that is generally shared by many people but that is usually short-lived; a fad.
It implies a temporary, often intense, and sometimes irrational enthusiasm, suggesting it will pass quickly.
The story behind the word. The word 'craze' has a surprisingly violent origin! It comes from the Old Norse word 'krasa,' meaning 'to shatter' or 'to crack.' This sense of breaking or being broken led to the meaning of 'to make mad' or 'to become insane' in English by the 14th century. From there, it evolved to describe a temporary, almost mad enthusiasm that 'breaks' into society and then quickly fades.
Word relationships
- fad: Very close in meaning, often interchangeable, emphasizing novelty and short duration.
- vogue: The prevailing fashion or style at a particular time, often with a sense of elegance.
- mania: A more intense and potentially unhealthy obsession or enthusiasm.
- tradition: A long-established custom or belief passed down through generations.
- endurance: The fact or power of enduring an unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way.
Commonly confused with
- trend: A 'trend' can be long-term and significant; a 'craze' is typically short-lived and often superficial.
Word family
- crazed (adjective): Mad or insane; also, intensely enthusiastic.
Collocations
- fashion craze
- latest craze
- passing craze
- diet craze
- swept up in the craze
Example sentences
- "The new fidget spinner was a huge craze among schoolchildren for a few months, then quickly faded." Describing a popular but fleeting toy.
- "Bell-bottoms were a fashion craze in the 1970s that eventually gave way to other styles." Referring to a temporary fashion.
Memory hook
A 'CRAZE' is like a 'CRACK' in the pavement – it appears suddenly, spreads, but then often gets filled in or disappears. Short-lived Fad
When not to use
Don't use it for long-lasting trends or deeply rooted cultural shifts; it implies transience.
Fun facts
- The verb 'to craze' can still mean 'to make insane' or 'to crack (pottery),' though these uses are less common today.
- Historically, 'crazed' was used to describe someone who was mentally unsound.
- Many popular culture phenomena are initially dismissed as mere 'crazes' before proving to have lasting impact.
Related words
Explore more words
infatuation, fanaticism, short-lived, devotion, mania, enthusiastic
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