passing fad

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'passing fad' is correct and usable in written English.
You usually use it to describe something that is popular or trendy for a short period of time. For example: Social media is a passing fad - it won't be around forever.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's not a passing fad".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"This is not a passing fad.

The New York Times

But was this some passing fad?

The New York Times

The station managers thought rap was a passing fad.

The New York Times

At first, I thought this was a passing fad.

The New Yorker

"The automobile is a passing fad," he said.

The New York Times

It's very much the thing of the moment, but is no passing fad.

The Guardian

Or is it an overvalued, overhyped company whose Keurig roasting system is a passing fad?

The New York Times

As late as 1883, one nameless lifestyle reporter described the Christmas tree as a passing fad.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

The foreign ministry's "fascination" with the Middle East, especially, has been dismissed as a passing fad.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "passing fad", be specific about what you are referring to. Providing context helps the reader understand the fleeting nature of the trend you are describing.

Common error

Avoid using "passing fad" to describe something that has demonstrated long-term staying power. Ensure the subject truly exhibits characteristics of a temporary trend before applying the label.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passing fad" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It describes something as a temporary trend. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in contemporary English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "passing fad" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression to describe something considered a temporary trend. Ludwig AI confirms that it is widely used in English, especially in News & Media. When using this phrase, it is important to provide specific context and be aware of its potentially dismissive connotation. While generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives in academic settings. Overall, "passing fad" serves as a useful tool for expressing skepticism about the lasting impact of current trends.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fleeting trend

This alternative emphasizes the short duration of the trend.

temporary craze

This alternative highlights the intense but short-lived popularity.

short-lived fashion

This alternative focuses on the aspect of fashion and its transient nature.

here-today-gone-tomorrow

This alternative is an idiom expressing transience.

momentary trend

This alternative stresses the very brief duration of the trend.

ephemeral fashion

This alternative uses more formal language to convey the fleeting nature of a trend.

current vogue

This alternative points to a current popular trend that is likely to disappear soon.

temporary obsession

This alternative emphasizes the intense focus that quickly fades.

short-term craze

This alternative specifies that the craze will only last a short time.

nine-day wonder

This alternative is an idiom that refers to something that causes a great deal of excitement but is soon forgotten.

FAQs

How to use "passing fad" in a sentence?

You can use "passing fad" to describe something currently popular but unlikely to last long, as in, "Some consider cryptocurrency a "passing fad", while others believe it's the future of finance."

What can I say instead of "passing fad"?

You can use alternatives like "fleeting trend", "temporary craze", or "short-lived fashion" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "passing fad" in a formal setting?

While generally acceptable, in highly formal contexts, consider more precise alternatives like "ephemeral trend" or "transient phenomenon" for a more sophisticated tone.

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

A ""passing fad"" implies something short-lived and often frivolous, whereas a "trend" may have a longer duration and more significant impact. Trends can evolve into lasting changes.