wannabe
|wan-na-be|
🇺🇸
/ˈwɑnəbi/
🇬🇧
/ˈwɒnəbi/
want-to-be (aspiring/pretender)
Etymology
'wannabe' originates from English, specifically the colloquial phrase 'wanna be', where 'wanna' is an informal contraction of 'want to' and 'be' retains its usual meaning.
'wannabe' changed from the colloquial phrase 'wanna be' (a contraction of 'want to be') and eventually became lexicalized as the single-word noun/adjective 'wannabe' in 20th-century English.
Initially it reflected the literal idea 'want to be (someone)', but over time it evolved into a noun/adjective meaning 'a person who aspires to be like someone else (often pejorative)'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an informal or derogatory term for a person who wants to be like someone else (often a famous or successful person) but is not; a would-be or aspirant, often implying lack of authenticity or skill.
He's just a Hollywood wannabe who imitates every star he sees.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 1
describing someone or something that is aspiring to be like someone/something else but not yet successful or genuine (e.g., wannabe actor, wannabe celebrity).
She joined a wannabe rock band even though she has little experience.
Synonyms
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Last updated: 2025/10/19 10:45