groupies
groupies
Pronunciation
/ˈɡruː.piz/
group: /ɡruːp/
/ɡ/: voiced velar stop
/r/: voiced alveolar approximant
/uː/: close back rounded vowel
/p/: voiceless bilabial stop
ies: /iz/
/i/: close front unrounded vowel
/z/: voiced alveolar sibilant
Word Form Variations
Noun:
Singular: groupie
Plural: groupies
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
A person, typically a young woman, who follows a popular musician, band, or public figure, often hoping to gain personal or sexual access. This is the original and most common definition.
Synonyms: admirer, devotee, fan, follower, hanger-on
Antonyms: opponent, detractor, critic
A person who is excessively devoted to a particular group, activity, or lifestyle. This is a more general and often derogatory use of the term.
Synonyms: zealot, enthusiast, fanatic, buff
Antonyms: skeptic, non-believer, pragmatist
Examples of Use
In Music and Entertainment News: "Backstage at the rock festival, a swarm of groupies jostled for a chance to meet the band." (Rolling Stone, May 2019)
In a Book Title: Pamela Des Barres, a notable groupie from the 1960s and 70s, wrote a memoir titled I'm with the Band: Confessions of a Groupie.
In a Film: The 2000 film Almost Famous depicts a character named Penny Lane, a "band-aid" who travels with a fictional rock band, a role that embodies the popular image of a groupie.
In Social Commentary: "The term 'political groupie' is sometimes used to describe an individual who attaches themselves to a powerful politician or movement without a clear understanding of the underlying principles." (The Guardian, October 2021)
In General Conversation: "My friend is a total gaming groupie; she buys every new console and accessory the moment it's released."
In an Online Publication: A headline from a celebrity gossip blog might read, "Teen groupies mob Justin Bieber's hotel." (E! Online, November 2015)
In a Documentary: The documentary series The Seventies included a segment on the counterculture and rock music scene, where the role of groupies was discussed as a significant part of the era's social landscape.
In a Newspaper Review: A review of a concert might mention the "enthusiastic groupies at the front of the stage, singing along to every lyric." (The New York Times, August 2022)
10 Famous Quotes Using Groupies
"A real groupie is someone who loves the music and wants to do it with the guys who make it." (Pamela Des Barres)
"I'd love to be a pop idol. Of course, my groupies are now between 40 and 50." (Kevin Bacon)
"I think everybody’s a groupie for something." (Bebe Buell)
"I did not let people tell me what to do, and I never wanted to be a groupie." (Eve)
"I'm a bit of a groupie." (Jerry Hall)
"As soon as the groupie finds out that you make errors in everyday life like everybody else does and that you are human, they turn on you and hate you." (John Fahey)
"I'm a huge fan and a bit of a groupie." (Amy Poehler)
"My favorite part of Comic-Con? The groupies." (Joss Whedon)
"The one thing that's depressing as a comedian to realize is that rock stars get groupies, and comedians don't." (Matt Besser)
"If I weren't performing, there is a real chance that I would be a 'One Man, Two Guvnors' groupie." (Spencer Kayden)
Etymology
The word "groupie" is a relatively modern term that first appeared in the late 1960s, a period when rock and roll music was exploding in popularity. It's a simple term to break down: it comes from the word "group" (referring to a musical band) and the suffix "-ie," which is often used to create a casual, familiar, or diminutive noun (like "sweetie" or "roadie").
So, a "groupie" was literally a person who followed a musical group. The first known use of the word in print was around 1967, and it quickly became a way to describe the young women who dedicated themselves to following famous rock bands on tour, often in hopes of having a relationship with one of the band members. Over time, the meaning has broadened a bit, but the original core idea of a devoted follower of a "group" remains at its heart.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Groupies
Political groupie: A person who follows politicians or a political movement with zealous, uncritical devotion.
Star groupie: An individual who follows celebrities, particularly in the film or television industry.
Sports groupie: A fan who follows a sports team or athlete with an intense, personal-level of dedication.
Tech groupie: Someone who is an extremely devoted fan of a particular technology company, product, or founder.
He's a groupie for the local band: An informal way of saying someone is a dedicated fan of a specific local music group.
The groupie lifestyle: A phrase referring to a life of following a band or celebrity, often involving touring and hanging out backstage.
Don't be a groupie: A dismissive way of telling someone not to be so slavishly devoted or blindly admiring of a public figure.
A "groupie" mentality: Describing a mindset of unconditional adoration and loyalty, often at the expense of critical thinking.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of groupies from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
