groupie
UK: ˈɡruːpi | US: ˈɡruːpi
n. a fan, especially a young woman, who follows a musical band or celebrity obsessively
n. (informal) an enthusiastic admirer or follower of any group or trend
The word "groupie" emerged in the 1960s, combining "group" (referring to musical bands) with the suffix "-ie," a colloquial diminutive often used to denote familiarity or affection (e.g., "foodie," "newbie"). It originally described young fans who followed rock bands, often seeking personal connections with musicians. Over time, it broadened to describe ardent followers of any trend or subculture. The suffix "-ie" softens the term, giving it a playful, albeit sometimes derogatory, tone.
She became a groupie after meeting her favorite band backstage.
The documentary explored the lives of 1970s rock groupies.
He jokingly called himself a tech groupie for always buying the latest gadgets.
Groupies often wait for hours outside concerts to catch a glimpse of the performers.
The term "groupie" sometimes carries negative connotations of obsession.