all the rage
Meaning
Extremely popular or fashionable at a particular time; the current trend.
Origin
From the older sense of “rage” meaning “fashion/craze” (a strong enthusiasm), attested from the 18th–19th centuries; “all the rage” came to mean the dominant fashion of the moment.
Notes
Casual, often slightly hyperbolic, and implies a trend/fad that’s popular right now (often temporary). Used for fashion, products, places, activities, etc.
Examples
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That new coffee shop is all the rage in our neighborhood.
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When the app launched, it was all the rage among college students.
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Tiny homes were all the rage a few years ago, but the trend has cooled off.
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Her vintage jacket is all the rage right now—everyone keeps asking where she got it.
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In the 90s, those colorful sneakers were all the rage at my school.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Typically used as a predicate complement: “X is all the rage.” Also common in past tense: “was all the rage.” You can add time frames: “is all the rage right now/these days.” Fixed phrase; rarely pluralized/modified internally.
Synonyms
- in fashion
- popular
- trendy
- the latest thing
- all the fad
Antonyms
- out of fashion
- unpopular
- old hat
- passé