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bandwagon

BAND-wag-un /ˈbændˌwæɡən/

nounB2SATGRE

generalinformal

A popular trend or activity that attracts growing support; a cause or movement that attracts increasing numbers of adherents.

Often implies joining something primarily because it is popular or fashionable, rather than based on personal conviction or original interest.

The story behind the word. The term 'bandwagon' literally refers to a wagon that carries a band, often used in parades, circuses, or political rallies. In the mid-19th century, politicians would try to get on the bandwagons of popular candidates to associate themselves with success. By the late 19th century, 'jump on the bandwagon' became a common idiom for joining a popular cause or movement, regardless of one's true convictions.

Word relationships

craze: Often more intense and short-lived than a bandwagon, typically for an activity or object.
trend: More neutral, simply refers to a general direction of change or development.

individualism: The principle of being independent and self-reliant.
nonconformity: Refusal to conform to a prevailing norm or practice.

Commonly confused with

fad: A fad is a temporary fashion or interest, whereas a bandwagon is the act of joining something because it's popular, which could be a fad or a more substantial movement.

Collocations

jump on the bandwagon
climb on the bandwagon
join the bandwagon
the bandwagon effect

Idioms & expressions

jump on the bandwagon: to join a popular activity or trend

Example sentences

"After the candidate won the primary, many undecided voters jumped on the bandwagon, eager to support the likely winner." Discussing a political campaign.
"The new social media challenge quickly became a bandwagon that everyone seemed to be joining, even those who usually avoided viral trends." In a discussion about social media trends.

Memory hook

Imagine a big 'band' playing music on a 'wagon' and everyone wants to 'jump' on it to be part of the fun and excitement. Band Wagon Jump

When not to use

Don't use it for a long-standing, deeply rooted movement or a personal, independent choice. It carries a connotation of opportunistic or uncritical following.

Fun facts

The first recorded use of 'bandwagon' in a political context was in 1848, when Dan Rice, a famous clown, used his bandwagon to promote Zachary Taylor's presidential campaign.
The 'bandwagon effect' is a cognitive bias where people do something primarily because others are doing it, regardless of their own beliefs, which can be seen in fashion, politics, and consumer choices.

Related words

fad, influencer

Explore more words

craze, endorsement, mainstream, fandom, endorse, trendsetter