a passing fad

USAGE SUMMARY

"a passing fad" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is popular now, but that will not likely last and will soon be forgotten. For example: "This new hairstyle is just a passing fad - it will soon be out of fashion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So is this thing a passing fad or is it here to stay?

The New York Times

It's not a passing fad".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"That suggests a passing fad.

The New York Times - Style

"This is not a passing fad.

The New York Times

Are living walls a passing fad?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But is it, after all, just a passing fad?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The station managers thought rap was a passing fad.

The New York Times

And it's not likely to be a passing fad.

The Guardian

Motion pictures seemed destined to become a passing fad.

The New York Times

At first, I thought this was a passing fad.

The New Yorker

Is the Intermittent Fasting diet a passing fad?

The Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a passing fad" when you want to express skepticism about the long-term viability or relevance of something currently popular.

Common error

Avoid using "a passing fad" to describe something that has already demonstrated staying power or long-term influence. The phrase implies impermanence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a passing fad" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a predicate nominative or object of a preposition. It describes something with temporary popularity. Ludwig shows that this phrase is commonly used in news and media to express skepticism about emerging trends.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a passing fad" is a common noun phrase used to describe something currently popular but not expected to last long. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts to express skepticism about emerging trends. Alternatives include phrases like "temporary trend" or "short-lived craze". When using this phrase, it's important to consider whether the subject truly lacks staying power, as misapplication can weaken your argument or dismiss something with long-term impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

temporary trend

Focuses on the short-lived nature of the phenomenon.

short-lived craze

Highlights the intense but brief popularity.

fleeting fashion

Emphasizes the aspect of style and its impermanence.

here today, gone tomorrow

An idiomatic expression for something transient.

momentary trend

Stresses the brief duration of the trend.

nine-day wonder

An older idiom indicating something that is briefly sensational.

soon forgotten

Highlights the likelihood of being quickly forgotten.

flash in the pan

Describes something that creates a brief excitement but fails to deliver long-term success.

ephemeral trend

Uses a more formal term to indicate something short-lived.

transient phenomenon

Focuses on the temporary nature of the event or occurrence.

FAQs

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

You can use "a passing fad" to describe something currently popular but not expected to last, such as "Some critics believe that the latest diet craze is just "a passing fad"".

What's a good alternative to saying "a passing fad"?

Alternatives include "temporary trend", "short-lived craze", or "fleeting fashion", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to call something "a passing fad"?

It is appropriate when you genuinely believe something's popularity is temporary. Be mindful of potential negative connotations, as it can sound dismissive.

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

A trend can have lasting power and influence, whereas "a passing fad" implies something that will quickly disappear and be forgotten.