Pronunciation: [kɹˈe͡ɪzɪz] (IPA) 
The word "crazes" is spelled with a "z" rather than an "s" because the letter "z" represents the voiced sound /z/ while "s" represents the voiceless sound /s/. The IPA phonetic transcription for "crazes" is /ˈkreɪzɪz/, with the stress on the first syllable and the plural marker "-es" pronounced as /ɪz/. This word refers to temporary fashion trends or popular obsessions that capture people's attention for a short period of time.
Crazes, in the plural form, is a noun that refers to temporary periods of intense popularity or enthusiasm for a particular activity, object, or trend. It indicates a widespread and often sudden craze or obsession that captures the attention and interest of a large group of people. These crazes typically emerge and spread rapidly, evolving into a popular trend or fad that attracts significant attention and participation.
Crazes often arise due to popular culture, advertising, media exposure, or social influence, creating a sense of urgency or excitement surrounding the specific activity or object. They may include various forms such as fashion trends, toys, gadgets, games, dance styles, dieting techniques, or viral challenges, among others. Crazes are characterized by their non-permanent nature, as they tend to fade away relatively quickly once the initial hype and attention wane. Often, they are followed by a new craze that captures the collective interest.
These periods of intense popularity can sometimes lead to a widespread craze becoming a cultural phenomenon. People participating in crazes may do so to feel part of a larger group, seek out a sense of identity or distinction, or simply out of curiosity. Crazes can have both positive and negative impacts, ranging from providing entertainment, fostering creativity and innovation, to causing social pressure and irrational behavior.
The word "crazes" is the plural form of the noun "craze". The etymology of "craze" can be traced back to late Middle English from the Old English word "crasian", which means "to crush", "to break into pieces", or "to shatter". Over time, the meaning of "craze" evolved to refer to a sudden and intense enthusiasm or passion for something, often a passing fad or trend.
