wannabes
Those hoping desperately
Wannabes are people who aspire to be something they're not—usually imitating a style, status, or identity they admire but haven't earned: The club was full of wannabes trying to look like regulars.
The term is dismissive, suggesting the person lacks authenticity or talent.
A wannabe rapper writes lyrics but can't flow.
A wannabe socialite name-drops but isn't invited.
One who mimics another
- mimicOne who copies others
- impersonatorOne who copies others
- cloneGenetically identical organism
- followerOne who supports another
emulator · parrot · echo · tribute act · cover band · knockoff · lookalike · soundalike
copycat
One who mimics another
- mimicOne who copies others
- impersonatorOne who copies others
- cloneGenetically identical organism
follower · emulator · parrot · echo · tribute act · cover band · knockoff · lookalike · soundalike · doppelganger
pretender
Illegitimate claimant to power
impostor · fake · poseur · charlatan · sham · faux · try-hard · social climber · name-dropper · scene kid
hopeful
Feeling positive expectation
- up-and-comerPromising newcomer gaining ground
- prospectPotential client or opportunity
- candidatePerson seeking selection
dreamer · striver · climber · newcomer · rookie · novice · trainee · apprentice · protégé · intern
- Z-listersnobodies, has-beens, bit players, extras
- celebritiesmovie stars, A-lister, pop stars, superstar, celebrity
- newcomersnewcomers, newcomer, new arrivals, new arrival, newbie
- show-offsbraggarts, boasters, showboats, grandstanders, egotists
- cliquesclique, in-crowd, in-group, inner circle, cool kids
- non-expertsamateurs, beginners, novices, laypeople, non-experts
wannabeshas-beens
Former notables past relevance
never-weres · also-rans · dropouts · quitters · retirees
wannabesicons
Representative small images
legends · trendsetters · pioneers · trailblazers · insiders