Flash mob is a term used to describe a group of people who assemble suddenly in a public place, perform a brief, unexpected and seemingly pointless act, then disperse, usually for the purpose of entertainment or social activism. The spelling of "flash mob" follows standard English phonetics, with the "a" in "flash" pronounced as [æ], while the "o" in "mob" is pronounced as [ɒ]. The stress falls on the first syllable, with the consonants "sh" and "m" pronounced distinctly to create the rhythm of the word.
A flash mob refers to a seemingly spontaneous gathering of a large group of people who come together to perform a brief and often unconventional public act or event before quickly dispersing. This term gained popularity in the early 2000s with the advent of social media platforms that allowed for the rapid dissemination of information and coordination of such gatherings. The events organized as flash mobs typically involve unexpected performances or activities such as choreographed dances, freeze or pillow fights, or other fun and creative displays that aim to surprise and entertain onlookers.
Flash mobs often occur in public spaces such as parks, train stations, shopping malls, or other crowded areas, which contribute to the element of surprise. Participants in the flash mob are typically mobilized through prearranged means, such as social media, email lists, or specialized websites, where the specific details and instructions for the event are shared. While flash mobs are typically intended to elicit amusement and wonder from bystanders, they can also serve as a form of artistic expression or be used to convey a specific message or advocacy cause.
The concept of a flash mob has expanded beyond its original boundaries and can now include virtual or online gatherings where a large number of individuals coordinate their actions simultaneously, often via a livestream or video platform. These digital flash mobs can involve participating in an online event or engaging in a specific action, such as collectively posting content or changing profile pictures on social media, to draw attention to a particular topic or cause.
The word "flash mob" combines two concepts: "flash" and "mob".
The term "flash" refers to something that happens quickly, suddenly, or briefly. It can be traced back to the late 16th century, where it originally meant "to rush, dart, or splash". Over time, it acquired additional meanings, including "a sudden burst of light" or "a momentary spark". In the context of modern technology, "flash" can also refer to a visual effect often associated with photographs or the rapid display of images on a screen.
The term "mob" comes from the Latin word "mob" or "mobile vulgus", which means "fickle crowd" or "easily movable crowd". It gained popularity in the English language during the 1680s and has since been used to describe a large and disorderly crowd of people.