Fad

/fæd/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a temporary fashion or practice.

The hula hoop was a popular fad in the 1960s.

an intense and widely shared enthusiasm for something, especially one that is short-lived.

The latest fad among teenagers is wearing oversized sneakers.

a craze or trend that attracts a lot of attention for a short period.

Social media influencers often start fads that quickly capture public interest.

Possibly from a shortening of 'faddist', first known use in the 19th century.

passing fad

A temporary trend that is not expected to last.

fad diet

A diet that promises quick weight loss but is often not sustainable.

schoolyard fad

A popular trend among children or adolescents, often seen in playgrounds.

trend

A general direction in which something is developing or changing.

craze

An enthusiasm for a particular activity or subject that appears suddenly.

mania

An excessive enthusiasm or desire.

A hip trend that everyone seems to love.

This new fashion is the new fad everyone is talking about.

Something that’s in for a limited time but gets a lot of attention.

That gadget is just a fad; it will be forgotten soon.