Groupies

/ˈɡruːpiz/ noun

Definition

Fans, usually obsessive ones, who follow a musician, actor, sports team, or other celebrity and attend their events regularly.

Etymology

From group + -ie (informal suffix), popularized in the 1960s during the rock music explosion. Originally referred to fans who followed bands from concert to concert, the term expanded to any devoted celebrity fan.

Kelly Says

The word 'groupie' was literally born from rock and roll culture — when fans starting traveling with bands from gig to gig in the 1960s, suddenly there were people you needed a word for. It's one of the few words that captures the intensity of fandom in a single syllable.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Predominantly applied to women fans in music/entertainment contexts; male equivalent rarely used. Carries dismissive sexual undertones absent from male fan terminology.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'devoted fans' or 'dedicated followers' for neutral language. If using 'groupie', apply equally across genders.

Inclusive Alternatives

["devoted fans","dedicated followers","enthusiasts"]

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.