Inklingo

How to Say "craze" in Spanish

English → Spanish

fiebre

fee-EH-breh/'fje.βɾe/

nounB1general
Use 'fiebre' when referring to a widespread, intense, and often temporary popular enthusiasm or trend, similar to a 'fad' or 'mania'.
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 'obsesión' when the 'craze' implies a strong, persistent, and consuming interest or preoccupation, often with a negative or unhealthy connotation if excessive.

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.

ida

EE-dah/ˈiða/

nounB2informal
Use 'ida' to describe a sudden, peculiar, or eccentric fixation, quirk, or fit of unusual behavior, often implying something irrational or 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' because both can describe strong interest. Remember, 'fiebre' implies a widespread, temporary trend or fad, while 'obsesión' suggests a more personal, intense, and possibly unhealthy fixation that can be long-lasting.

Related Translations

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