f-a-d
FAD is a temporary fashion, notion, or manner of conduct that enjoys brief popularity. In word games, this compact 3-letter word offers strategic placement opportunities.
7
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
FAD refers to a craze or trend that becomes intensely popular for a short period before quickly fading away. Unlike lasting fashions, fads burn bright and brief, capturing public attention before vanishing. From pet rocks to viral dances, fads reflect our collective enthusiasm for novelty. The word captures the ephemeral nature of popular culture, where something can dominate conversations one month and be forgotten the next. Fads occur in fashion, entertainment, technology, and even language itself. They're driven by social dynamics and our desire to participate in shared experiences.Characteristics of fads:
The word fad originated in the 1830s, likely from the British dialect word faddle, meaning "to play" or "to toy with." Some linguists suggest it may derive from the French fade, meaning "insipid" or "tasteless," reflecting how fads can seem silly in retrospect. Originally, "fad" carried negative connotations, implying something frivolous or foolish. The word gained prominence during the Victorian era when rapid social changes created numerous short-lived trends. By the 20th century, "fad" had become neutral, simply describing temporary phenomena. The term perfectly captures the fleeting nature of popular enthusiasms, from hula hoops to cryptocurrency speculation.
•The hula hoop fad of 1958 sold 25 million units in just four months
•Internet fads spread globally in hours, while pre-digital fads took months or years
•"Fad diets" promise quick results but rarely lead to lasting health improvements
"The latest social media fad has everyone posting pictures of their breakfast."
"That dance was just a fad; nobody remembers it now."
Total base points: 7 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 1 | Consonants: 2
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