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noun Uncommon

fad

fad

Fad (noun) means something that becomes suddenly popular but only for a short while. Example: “Fidget spinners were a huge fad a few years ago.”

noun
1
Something that becomes suddenly popular but only for a short while.
"Fidget spinners were a huge fad a few years ago."
"Diet fads come and go every year."

How to use fad

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA trend that blows up fast and fades just as fast.

Easily confused with
Common pairings
a passing fad diet fad fashion fad

Word forms

fads plural

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Fill the gap

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Fidget spinners were a huge _____ a few years ago.

Etymology

Origin uncertain — possibly linked to an old English dialect word for "order, tidiness," or to a French word for a trivial idea.

Origin: French

rage cult craze furor furore

Related words

Frequently asked questions

What does “fad” mean?

The word “fad” means something that becomes suddenly popular but only for a short while. In plain terms, a trend that blows up fast and fades just as fast.

How do you pronounce “fad”?

“Fad” is pronounced fad (/fæd/ in IPA).

How do you use “fad” in a sentence?

Here is “fad” used in a sentence: “Fidget spinners were a huge fad a few years ago.”

What part of speech is “fad”?

“Fad” is a noun.

Where does the word “fad” come from?

The word “fad” comes from French. Origin uncertain — possibly linked to an old English dialect word for "order, tidiness," or to a French word for a trivial idea.

Is “fad” a common word?

“Fad” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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