passing fancy

USAGE SUMMARY

"passing fancy" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe something that is temporary or fleeting, such as a brief interest or infatuation. Example: "She's always had a passing fancy for exotic foods, but her love for pizza will never wane."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But for Townshend, we learn, this approach was the passing fancy of an art school dropout.

The New York Times - Books

What at first seemed a passing fancy between us slowly heated up.

The New Yorker

But this is no passing fancy for trucker caps or a Pete Doherty trilby.

The New York Times

Some may argue that the Rhodes resurgence is a passing fancy, perhaps even a gimmick.

The New York Times - Arts

The botanical comparison seems apt because Ms. Stewart, more than anyone, has turned gardening from passing fancy into driving passion for many Americans.

The New York Times

"There are sceptics as to whether this is a passing fancy … or whether this is a beginning, a serious commitment," he said.

The Guardian

His preoccupation with self-portraiture was not a passing fancy of youth, nor was it an old man's obsession: it spans his entire career.

The Guardian - Tech

No matter the ostensible success of the clubs at the top of the pyramid, a structure based on debt and passing fancy cannot survive indefinitely.

The Guardian - Sport

But looking generally at the social messaging space it's passed the point of passing fancy — to establish itself as a mobile fixture.

TechCrunch

Furthermore, there's no better indication of the fact that a potentially disruptive model has entered the world — or that these new hacker schools are more than just passing fancy — than when the government steps in with regulation.

TechCrunch

Now, Bruce is not a passing fancy of my wife's.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "passing fancy", ensure the context clearly indicates the temporary or superficial nature of the interest or attraction. Avoid using it to describe long-term commitments or deeply held beliefs.

Common error

Avoid using "passing fancy" to describe interests that have demonstrably lasted for a significant period. This can undermine the intended meaning and create confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passing fancy" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a preposition or a complement to a verb. As indicated by Ludwig, it denotes something transient or superficial. Ludwig's examples show its usage in describing fleeting interests or attractions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "passing fancy" is a noun phrase used to describe a temporary or superficial interest. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. Its function is to express the transient nature of something, distinguishing it from long-term commitments. Related phrases include "fleeting interest" and "temporary infatuation". When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies the short-lived nature of the subject, and avoid applying it to demonstrably long-lasting interests.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fleeting interest

Emphasizes the brief duration of the interest.

temporary infatuation

Focuses on the short-lived nature of the attraction.

brief fascination

Highlights the allure as being short in duration.

short-lived whim

Indicates a sudden and brief desire or impulse.

momentary attraction

Stresses the very short period of interest or appeal.

casual interest

Highlights the lack of deep commitment.

superficial interest

Suggests a lack of depth or genuine engagement.

transient desire

Emphasizes the impermanent nature of the wish.

ephemeral trend

Implies something trendy which will not last long.

a mere fad

It implies that it is something that is very popular for a short amount of time.

FAQs

How to use "passing fancy" in a sentence?

You can use "passing fancy" to describe a temporary interest or infatuation, as in, "His interest in photography was just a "passing fancy", and he quickly moved on to other hobbies."

What can I say instead of "passing fancy"?

You can use alternatives like "fleeting interest", "temporary infatuation", or "brief fascination" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "passing fancy" or "lasting passion"?

Both are correct, but they convey opposite meanings. "Passing fancy" implies a short-lived interest, while "lasting passion" suggests a long-term, deeply felt commitment.

What's the difference between "passing fancy" and "serious hobby"?

A ""passing fancy"" is something you're briefly interested in, whereas a "serious hobby" is an activity you dedicate significant time and effort to over a longer period.