Fad Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on August 30, 2024 by Isabella Claire

Nearly everyone you meet could give you some kind of example of a fad. However, if you found yourself here because you are wondering what does this term mean exactly, then you have come to the right place. Here you will find the meaning, but in addition, you will also find some information regarding the origin of this slang term and some other meanings.

You will also find some conversation examples showing how to properly use this term in context so you can get a better understanding of its definition. Finally, you will see some synonymous words or phrases that you can use in place of this term to relay the same or similar message.

Fad Meaning and Origin

  • A fad is a short-lived trend or craze that quickly gains popularity but fades away just as quickly.
Fad Meaning
Fad Meaning – Created by 7ESL

What Does Fad Mean?

This term is said to be defined as something that becomes extremely popular within a short period of time and then goes out of style or stops being used in almost the same short period of time.

Origin of Fad

The term that is used in this manner of speaking to mean some sort of “fashion craze” or just a “craze” can be dated back to 1881.

Other Meanings

There are many other alternative meanings listed for this term as an acronym. There are too many options to list them all here, but a few examples of what this term can represent as an acronym are “from a distance,” “Friday afternoon drinks,” “Facebook addiction disorder,” “find a dress,” and “fu**-a-duck.”

Conversation Examples with Fad

A text message exchange between two friends.

  • Friend 1: I am so glad that we left shoulder pads in the 80s.
  • Friend 2: I know! What the hell were we thinking back then?
  • Friend 1: I don’t know. My guess is we weren’t thinking at all.

An online conversation between two Twitter users.

  • User 1: OMGosh! You will never guess what I found in my closet today!
  • User 2: Some skeletons?
  • User 1: LOL! No! Everyone has them! I found my old Furby collection!
  • User 2: Who cares? They were a fad in the 90s and I didn’t even understand them then.

Synonyms for Fad

There are several synonyms that you can use to replace this slang term in a sentence to convey the same meaning. Some of the alternative words you could use include:

  • trend
  • craze
  • vogue
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