mexican wave: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, journalistic, sporting commentary
Quick answer
What does “mexican wave” mean?
A coordinated sequence of spectators in a stadium standing up, raising their arms, and sitting down again in succession, creating a wave-like visual effect.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A coordinated sequence of spectators in a stadium standing up, raising their arms, and sitting down again in succession, creating a wave-like visual effect.
Also used metaphorically to describe any phenomenon that spreads rapidly through a group in a similar ripple pattern, such as a trend, reaction, or emotion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference; the term is used in both varieties. However, the phenomenon is often simply called 'the wave' in North American sporting contexts.
Connotations
In British English, the full 'Mexican wave' is the standard term, evoking its origin. In American English, 'the wave' is more common and may feel more naturalised.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English media; in US English, 'the wave' predominates in everyday speech about sports.
Grammar
How to Use “mexican wave” in a Sentence
The crowd [verb: performed/did/started] a Mexican wave.A Mexican wave [verb: swept/went/circulated] around the stadium.They tried to get a Mexican wave going.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mexican wave” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Mexican-wave enthusiasm
- a Mexican-wave effect
American English
- a wave moment
- wave-like reaction
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly used metaphorically: 'A Mexican wave of buying swept through the markets.'
Academic
Rare, except in sociology or sports studies discussing crowd behaviour.
Everyday
Common in discussions of live sports events, concerts, or large public gatherings.
Technical
Used in event management or crowd psychology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mexican wave”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mexican wave”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mexican wave”
- Incorrect article: 'do Mexican wave' (missing 'a').
- Capitalisation error: 'mexican wave' (should be capitalised as a proper adjective).
- Using it to describe a single person's action.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It was first widely broadcast and named during the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, though similar actions were reported earlier.
No, it is a neutral descriptive term referencing the location of its popularisation. However, some style guides recommend 'the wave' for simplicity.
No, it is strictly a noun. You 'do' or 'start' a Mexican wave.
Yes, metaphorically in journalism and social commentary to describe any rapidly spreading sequential phenomenon through a group.
A coordinated sequence of spectators in a stadium standing up, raising their arms, and sitting down again in succession, creating a wave-like visual effect.
Mexican wave is usually informal, journalistic, sporting commentary in register.
Mexican wave: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmek.sɪ.kən ˈweɪv/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmek.sɪ.kən ˈweɪv/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of MEXICO's famous football fans + a WAVE in a stadium = MEXICAN WAVE.
Conceptual Metaphor
A COLLECTIVE ACTION IS A TRAVELLING WAVE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common synonym for 'Mexican wave' in American English sports commentary?