How Do You Spell FLASHMOB?

Pronunciation: [flˈaʃmɒb] (IPA)

Flashmob is a term that refers to a group of people who assemble suddenly in a public place, perform a seemingly random act, and then disperse. The word is spelled as /flæʃmɒb/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the first syllable pronounced as "flash" (/flæʃ/) and the second syllable as "mob" (/mɒb/). The word "flash" alludes to the surprise element of the gathering, while "mob" implies a large crowd. The term has gained popularity in recent years due to the widespread use of social media to organize these events.

FLASHMOB Meaning and Definition

1. A flashmob is a brief and spontaneous gathering of a large group of people organized in advance through social media or other means, who assemble together in a public space to perform a specific action or participate in a shared activity, then disperse. This phenomenon gained popularity in the early 2000s and has since evolved into a cultural trend.

   The concept of a flashmob typically involves individuals receiving instructions or cues, often via electronic means, about the time, date, and location of the event. The action or activity performed can range from dancing, singing, or playing music to freeze frames, pillow fights, or even acts of kindness. The purpose of a flashmob can vary; it may be done purely for entertainment, as a form of artistic expression, for social or political causes, or simply as a means to create interactive and unexpected experiences in public spaces.

   Flashmobs often attract attention due to their sudden and unexpected nature, drawing crowds of onlookers who may not be aware of the planned event. The temporary collective participation and the element of surprise contribute to the intrigue and appeal of flashmobs. While typically harmless and meant to be enjoyed by participants and observers alike, flashmobs require coordination, organization, and adherence to local laws and regulations to ensure safety and respect for public spaces.

Common Misspellings for FLASHMOB

• dlashmob
• clashmob
• vlashmob
• glashmob
• tlashmob
• rlashmob
• fkashmob
• fpashmob
• foashmob
• flzshmob
• flsshmob
• flwshmob
• flqshmob
• flaahmob
• flazhmob
• flaxhmob
• fladhmob
• flaehmob
• flawhmob
• flasgmob

Etymology of FLASHMOB

The word "flashmob" is a combination of two terms: "flash" and "mob".

1. Flash: The term "flash" in this context is derived from the phrase "flash crowd". It was originally used in science fiction author Larry Niven's 1973 short story "Flash Crowd", where it referred to a sudden and large gathering of people, which then quickly dispersed. The term "flash" was likely chosen due to the swift and unexpected nature of these gatherings.

2. Mob: The term "mob" typically refers to a large group of people, often characterized by disorderliness or a lack of organization. It is derived from the Latin word "mobilitas", meaning "movable" or "changeable".

Combining these two terms, the word "flashmob" was first used in 2003 by Bill Wasik, a senior editor at Harper's Magazine.