"Gotten on bandwagon" is a common colloquial phrase that means to join a popular trend or cause. The word "gotten" is a past participle of the verb "get" and is commonly used in American English. The pronunciation of "gotten" is /ˈɡɑtn/ with emphasis on the first syllable. "Bandwagon" is spelled as it sounds, with a stressed syllable on "band" and a secondary stress on "wagon." The phonetic transcription of "bandwagon" is /ˈbændˌwæɡən/.
The phrase "gotten on the bandwagon" refers to the act of joining a popular or successful trend or movement. It originated from the literal meaning of a bandwagon, which is a large wagon used to transport a band during a parade or other festive event. In the figurative sense, "gotten on the bandwagon" means to jump on board with something that has gained momentum or popularity.
When someone is said to have "gotten on the bandwagon," they are typically adopting a particular belief, following a trend, or supporting a cause primarily because it is popular or widely accepted at the time. This expression often conveys a sense of opportunism or conformity, suggesting that the person is more interested in being part of the mainstream than in independent thinking or genuine commitment.
The act of "getting on the bandwagon" implies a kind of social conformity, where individuals align themselves with a prevailing viewpoint or movement to avoid being left behind or seen as out of touch. It can also imply a lack of critical evaluation or judgment, as the person may be driven more by the desire to belong or be associated with success rather than a genuine understanding or belief in the cause or trend in question.
Overall, "getting on the bandwagon" suggests a tendency to follow the crowd rather than forge an independent path, often motivated by a desire for acceptance or to be seen as part of something popular or influential.