fad
Brief popular sensation
A fad is something that becomes wildly popular for a short time, then fades away—a fashion, activity, or craze that burns bright but doesn't last.
Pet rocks, fidget spinners, and dance crazes are classic fads.
The word carries a slightly dismissive tone, implying the enthusiasm is shallow: Is this a fad or a real trend?
A fad diet promises quick results but rarely delivers lasting change.
Intense, consuming obsession
- obsessionPersistent, intrusive preoccupation
- feverElevated body temperature
- frenzyViolent mental agitation
- sensationPerceived stimulus or phenomenon
bandwagon · rage · enthusiasm · infatuation · gimmick · novelty · whim · flurry
Exaggerated promotional fanfare
- buzzContinuous low drone
- publicityMedia-driven awareness
- promotionRank increase or publicity
- sensationalismOverhyped news coverage
hoopla · ballyhoo · puffery · spin · advertising · influencer · endorsement · viral
Passing very quickly
- ephemeralLasting very briefly
- short-livedLasting only briefly
- passingMoving by or temporary
- temporaryLimited in duration
momentary · transitory · impermanent · fizzling · waning · dying · declining · petering
Prevailing popular style
- fashionCurrent popular trend
- styleDistinctive way of expression
- movementChange in position
- waveOscillating motion through medium
current · popularity · mainstream · trendsetter · adoption · emergence · shift · latest
mania
Intense, consuming obsession
- obsessionPersistent, intrusive preoccupation
- feverElevated body temperature
- frenzyViolent mental agitation
sensation · bandwagon · rage · enthusiasm · infatuation · gimmick · novelty · whim · flurry · excitement
hype
Exaggerated promotional fanfare
sensationalism · hoopla · ballyhoo · puffery · spin · advertising · influencer · endorsement · viral · branding
fleeting
Passing very quickly
- ephemeralLasting very briefly
- short-livedLasting only briefly
- passingMoving by or temporary
temporary · momentary · transitory · impermanent · fizzling · waning · dying · declining · petering · bygone
vogue
Prevailing popular style
wave · current · popularity · mainstream · trendsetter · adoption · emergence · shift · latest · must-have
- Popularitypopular, fame, famous, trending, viral
- trending thingshashtag, meme, viral post, hot topic, buzzword
- trendstrends, trend, craze, rage, trendy
- Trend Termscrazes, trendsetter, influencer, craze, hype
- going viralviral spread, buzz, hype, trend, craze
- pop culturememe, celebrities, memes, trending, fandoms
fadtradition
Custom passed through generations
classic · institution · staple · mainstay · perennial
fadtradition
Custom passed through generations
custom · convention · heritage · cultural institution · ritual
fadconvention
Agreed standard of behavior
norm · standard · custom · establishment · status quo
- fad dietTrendy short-lived eating plan