wannabees
Those craving membership
Wannabees is an alternate spelling of wannabes—people who aspire to be something they're not, typically imitating a style, group, or celebrity: The club was full of wannabees trying to look like rock stars.
The spelling with double-e is less standard but common, perhaps influenced by "bee" or playful respelling.
One who mimics another
- poseurPerson feigning refined tastes
- pretenderIllegitimate claimant to power
- fakerOne who pretends
- imitatorOne who copies others
mimic · poser · phony · impersonator · knockoff · lookalike · doppelganger · clone
Feeling positive expectation
- dreamerOne given to fantasies
- up-and-comerPromising newcomer gaining ground
- rookieInexperienced newcomer
- noviceInexperienced newcomer to field
apprentice · trainee · intern · protege · candidate · entrant · beginner · neophyte
Fake or stumper
- fakeNot the real thing
- fraudIntentional criminal trickery
- try-hardOne who overexerts conspicuously
- name-dropperOne who flaunts associations
sycophant · bootlicker · attention-seeker · hipster · sellout · dilettante · dabbler · amateur
copycat
One who mimics another
imitator · mimic · poser · phony · impersonator · knockoff · lookalike · doppelganger · clone · follower
hopeful
Feeling positive expectation
- dreamerOne given to fantasies
- up-and-comerPromising newcomer gaining ground
- rookieInexperienced newcomer
novice · apprentice · trainee · intern · protege · candidate · entrant · beginner · neophyte · striver
poser
Fake or stumper
name-dropper · sycophant · bootlicker · attention-seeker · hipster · sellout · dilettante · dabbler · amateur · lightweight
wannabeesthe real thing
Authentic original version
professionals · experts · masters · originals · veterans
wannabeeshas-beens
Former notables past relevance
never-weres · retirees · dropouts · quitters