fad
FAD
/fæd/
An intense and widely shared enthusiasm for something, especially one that is short-lived and without basis in the object's qualities; a craze.
Emphasizes the temporary and often superficial nature of a trend. Fads rise quickly and fall just as fast, lacking lasting impact.
The story behind the word. The origin of 'fad' is somewhat uncertain, but it likely emerged in the mid-19th century, possibly as a variant of 'faddle,' meaning 'to toy with' or 'to trifle.' It quickly came to mean a temporary fashion or craze, emphasizing its fleeting and often superficial nature.
Word relationships
- craze: Very similar, often interchangeable, but 'craze' can imply more intense, almost frantic, enthusiasm.
- vogue: More formal, refers to the prevailing fashion or style at a particular time.
- passing fancy: Emphasizes the temporary and often whimsical nature.
- classic: Something of lasting value or quality.
- enduring trend: A trend that persists over a long period.
Commonly confused with
- trend: A 'fad' is a very short-lived, often superficial trend, while a 'trend' can be a longer-term development or direction with more significant impact.
Collocations
- short-lived fad
- passing fad
- latest fad
- marketing fad
- fashion fad
Example sentences
- "The neon clothing trend of the 1980s proved to be a short-lived fad, quickly replaced by grunge in the 90s." Discussing fashion history.
- "Many critics dismissed virtual pets as a mere fad, but they surprisingly maintained popularity for several years." In a tech review.
Memory hook
Think of something that 'fades' away quickly – a 'fad' is a trend that fades fast. Fades Fast
When not to use
Don't use it for long-term trends, cultural shifts, or innovations that have a lasting impact. It's specifically about fleeting popularity.
Fun facts
- Historical fads include tulip mania in the 17th century, where tulip bulb prices soared and then crashed, and the hula hoop in the 1950s.
- Social media often accelerates the rise and fall of fads, making them spread globally in days but also disappear just as quickly.
Related words
Explore more words
craze, infatuation, short-lived, ephemeral, transience, fleeting
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