a fad of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a fad of" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is generally used to describe a current trend, craze, or fashion that is popular for a brief period of time. For example, "The '90s saw a fad of chokers and temporary tattoos."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

CB (citizens' band) radio, a fad of the 1970's, is a city subculture, invisible to all but CB radio owners.

The New York Times

It might seem a fad of west coast US businesses, but the walking meeting has its place in Game of Thrones too.

The Guardian

They worry aloud that press ing health problems are being overlooked as Washington makes a fad of the environ mental issue.

The New York Times

Colloquial short stories also proliferated in Ming times, and collecting anthologies of them became a fad of the last Ming century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The activism marks a tactical shift for scientists and educators who dismissed intelligent design as little more than a fad of the religious right, only to see the concept gain favor and media attention.

The Washington Post

Social protection cannot be dismissed as a fad of a bygone age when the public purse was full; it is the often the missing link between people and their legal entitlements – not least the right to food.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

In the States there's a fad for "dronies" – aerial shots of yourself, posed somewhere cool.

The Guardian - Tech

When does an interesting intellectual development turn into a fad, devoid of any real content?

The New Yorker

By John Cassidy May 1, 2014 When does an interesting intellectual development turn into a fad, devoid of any real content?

The New Yorker

The firm had a fad image of old-fashioned classical British brand.

Business Research

Another was a sudden fad of wearing fraternity pins on stockings.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a fad of", consider adding context about the specific timeframe or cultural movement associated with the trend to provide greater clarity.

Common error

Avoid dismissing something as "a fad of" prematurely, as it may underestimate its potential long-term impact or significance. Consider the underlying factors driving the trend before labeling it as fleeting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fad of" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object complement. It describes a particular instance or example of something that is currently popular but is expected to be short-lived. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fad of" is a common phrase used to describe something temporarily popular, and often carries a connotation of being fleeting or superficial. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable across various contexts, though primarily found in news and media. The phrase helps to categorize fleeting trends, often implying a level of critique or dismissal. While the phrase is correct, be aware when labeling something as "a fad of" as you might underestimate it's long-term impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a passing trend of

Highlights the temporary nature of the trend, emphasizing that it will not last.

a current craze of

Focuses on the intense enthusiasm surrounding the trend at the moment.

a temporary fashion of

Emphasizes that the trend is related to style and is not expected to endure.

a fleeting trend of

Highlights that the trend is short-lived and will disappear quickly.

a modern vogue for

Focuses on the fashionable nature of the trend and its popularity.

a contemporary wave of

Indicates that the trend is part of a larger movement or phenomenon happening now.

a present-day enthusiasm for

Highlights the current excitement and interest surrounding the trend.

a recent obsession with

Emphasizes the compelling and often irrational nature of the trend's popularity.

an up-to-date mania for

Stresses the intensity and widespread nature of the trend's appeal.

a short-lived passion for

Focuses on the brief and intense nature of the trend's popularity.

FAQs

How can I use "a fad of" in a sentence?

You can use "a fad of" to describe something that is currently popular but likely to be short-lived. For example, "There was "a fad of" mood rings in the 1970s."

What are some alternatives to using "a fad of"?

Alternatives to "a fad of" include "a passing trend of", "a current craze of", or "a temporary fashion of" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "trend" or "fad" when describing something popular?

"Trend" often implies a longer duration and more significant impact, while "fad" suggests something shorter-lived and less consequential. "A fad of" is suitable when describing fleeting and often superficial phenomena.

What's the difference between "a fad of" and "a trend of"?

While both terms describe popularity, ""a fad of"" usually refers to something that gains and loses popularity quickly, whereas "a trend of" suggests a more gradual and sustained period of popularity.