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How to Say "craze" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “craze” is “fiebre” — use this word when referring to a widespread, intense, and often short-lived popular enthusiasm or fad that affects many people.

English → Spanish

fiebre

fee-EH-breh'fje.βɾe

nounB1general
Use this word when referring to a widespread, intense, and often short-lived popular enthusiasm or fad that affects many people.
A large crowd of people running excitedly with hands outstretched towards a single, attractive, brightly colored object floating in the distance, illustrating mass enthusiasm.

Examples

Hay una fiebre por las zapatillas deportivas en este barrio.

There is a craze for athletic shoes in this neighborhood.

La fiebre del Mundial de fútbol se siente en todas partes.

The World Cup fever is felt everywhere.

Muchos se mudaron a California durante la fiebre del oro.

Many people moved to California during the gold rush (gold fever).

Connecting the Craze

When using 'fiebre' to mean 'craze,' you usually connect it to the object of interest using the preposition 'por' (for) or 'de' (of/the).

obsesión

nounB1general
Choose this term for a strong, persistent interest or fixation, often implying a level of compulsion or an unhealthy focus.

Examples

Su obsesión por la limpieza es tan fuerte que limpia la casa dos veces al día.

Her obsession with cleanliness is so strong that she cleans the house twice a day.

delirio

deh-LEE-ryohdeˈliɾjo

nounB1general
This word is best for describing something that is wildly exciting, chaotic, or characterized by extreme, almost unbelievable enthusiasm.
A whimsical scene where a fish is flying through the sky and a bird is swimming underwater.

Examples

¡Esa fiesta fue un delirio total!

That party was total madness!

Es un delirio pensar que podemos viajar mañana sin maletas.

It's nonsense to think we can travel tomorrow without suitcases.

Su amor por ese cantante es un auténtico delirio.

Her love for that singer is a real craze.

Using 'ser' with Delirio

When you want to say something is 'crazy' or 'nonsense', use 'Es un delirio'.

Too Heavy?

Mistake: “Esa película es un delirio (when you just mean it was slightly confusing).”

Correction: Use 'delirio' for something truly over-the-top or nonsensical. For small things, 'una tontería' is better.

ida

EE-dahˈiða

nounB2informal
Use this informal term to describe a peculiar, irrational fixation or a sudden, strange mood or behavior that is out of the ordinary.
A simple cartoon character sitting on the ground, completely surrounded by identical, brightly colored toy tops. The character is holding one top and staring at it with intense, fixed focus.

Examples

A veces le dan unas idas muy raras.

Sometimes she has some very strange fits/outbursts.

Tiene una ida con ese coche viejo, no lo quiere vender.

He has a fixation on that old car; he doesn't want to sell it.

Figurative Meaning

In this sense, 'ida' suggests a momentary mental 'trip' or deviation from normal thinking. It is typically used in the plural, 'idas', when referring to strange behavior.

Fiebre vs. Obsesión

Learners often confuse 'fiebre' and 'obsesión.' Remember that 'fiebre' implies a widespread, popular trend affecting many, while 'obsesión' suggests a more personal, intense, and potentially unhealthy fixation.

Related Translations

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