The phrase “all the rage“ refers to something that is currently very popular or fashionable, often capturing a trend or a craze that many people are enthusiastic about.
Meaning of “all the rage“
Trendiness: The expression indicates that a particular style, activity, or item is widely embraced and is considered fashionable at a given time.
Example:
“A new dance called the ‘floppy disc’ is all the rage.”
(This implies that the dance has become extremely popular and is widely practiced or performed.)
Example:
“Wearing a rope instead of a belt is all the rage these days.”
(This suggests that this fashion choice is trendy and many people are adopting it.)
Usage and tone
- Informal and colloquial: The phrase is often used in casual conversations and media to describe popular culture.
- Evokes enthusiasm: It conveys a sense of excitement and immediacy about the trend, as if it’s something that everyone should know or participate in.
Contextual notes
- Cultural relevance: This idiom is frequently used in fashion, music, and entertainment discussions to highlight what’s in vogue at any particular time.
- Similar expressions: Phrases like “in vogue,” “the latest craze,” or “fashionable” carry a similar meaning but may vary slightly in connotation or context.
“All the rage“ effectively captures the fleeting nature of trends in contemporary culture, emphasizing the dynamic and often ephemeral quality of what is considered fashionable or popular at any given moment.