wannabe
UK: ˈwɒnəbi | US: ˈwɑːnəbi
n. a person who tries to be like someone else or to belong to a particular group, often without success
n. (informal) an admirer or follower who aspires to emulate another’s style or status
"Wannabe" is a colloquial contraction of "want to be," originating in 20th-century American slang. The term humorously captures the aspirational yet often unfulfilled desire of individuals to imitate celebrities, subcultures, or social groups. The morpheme "wanna" reflects informal speech patterns, while "be" underscores the core idea of existence or identity. Its rise in popularity coincided with media-driven celebrity culture, where imitation became a recognizable social phenomenon.
The club was full of rockstar wannabes wearing leather jackets and sunglasses.
She’s just a corporate wannabe, copying her boss’s mannerisms.
Many teenage wannabes try to dress like their favorite influencers.
He’s a basketball wannabe who practices daily but never makes the team.
The film satirizes Hollywood wannabes desperate for fame.