This week Shauna and Dan 'Jump on the Bandwagon' for books, songs, and sportsball. Bonus: Beanie Babies, Pogs, Humbuggeries, and James Cash Penny
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Bunny Trails: A Word History Podcast
Episode 285: Jump on the Bandwagon
Record Date: June 15, 2025
Air Date: July 16, 2025
Intro
Dan:
Welcome to Bunny Trails, a whimsical adventure of idioms and other turns of phrase.
I’m Dan Pugh
Shauna:
And I’m Shauna Harrison
Each week we take an idiom or other turn of phrase and try to tell the story from its entry into the English language, to how it’s used today.
Opening Hook
I didn’t really get into Beanie Babies—not even when kids at school started trading them like they were precious gems. But then I saw Erin, the lovely emerald-green bear with a four-leaf clover on its chest… and suddenly, I had to have one. Just like that, I jumped on the bandwagon.
Meaning
According to Oxford English Dictionary, to jump on the bandwagon means:
Quote
to join many others in supporting or taking part in something that seems promising, fashionable, or popular. In early use especially in political contexts.
End quote
https://www.oed.com/dictionary/bandwagon_n?tab=meaning_and_use#1471574390
The OED also makes note that the phrase is,
Quote
Typically disparaging, with the connotation that doing so is opportunistic or disingenuous.
End quote
But what exactly is a bandwagon?
Oxford English Dictionary tells us that a bandwagon is,
Quote
A large wagon; esp. one capable of carrying a band of musicians as part of a parade, a political campaign, or a travelling circus.
End quote
https://www.oed.com/dictionary/bandwagon_n?tab=meaning_and_use#1471574390
1836
This term began appearing in print around the 1830s. Here is one example from the Boston Morning Post, out of Massachusetts, US.
Quote
Church is with a division in Indiana, and Chamberlain now drives the Band wagon in Upper Canada.
End quote
https://www.oed.com/dictionary/bandwagon_n?tab=meaning_and_use#1471574390
The term didn’t take very long to start to shift in its usage.
1842
It appears in a political editorial dated September 15, 1842, published in The Ohio Democrat, out of Ohio, United States. Here is an excerpt:
Quote
Such is an abstract of this day’s proceedings; such was the end of the great Corwin spree, which cost the whig leaders an hundred dollars, besides a week’s labor. Yes, let it go out to the people that the grand result of Corwin’s visit to this country, was that two prominent whigs bolted, and made speeches at the Democratic Meeting, within gunshot of where Corwin spoke. We feel no disposition to crow over the unfortunate, but we tell the whig leaders, with their four band wagons, their foreign silk flags, and their Giraffes, that the days of humbuggery have gone by. The sober second thought has come over the people, and the whiggery will be weighed in the balance.
End quote
https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84028889/1842-09-15/ed-1/seq-3/#date1=1839&index=0&rows=20&searchType=advanced&language=&sequence=0&words=band+wagons&proxdistance=5&date2=1842&ortext=&proxtext=&phrasetext=band+wagon&andtext=&dateFilterType=yearRange&page=1
While the band wagon here seems to be literal, the tone is satirical, and the imagery clearly aligns with circus showmanship.
1866
Outside of that political references, most uses at this time for bandwagon were entirely literal. Here is an example from The Day book, out of Virginia, United States, dated March 26, 1866.
Quote
The Circus - The great show of Dan Castello, has arrived an I will open to-night. The excitement amongst the juveniles in the city is great, and when the great Band Wagon hauled by fifty-two horses, makes its appearance, we do not know what will become of the boys and girls. And then to see the show! The Lions ! The great Pony ! The kicking Mule - and above all, the Clown. Step this way Mr. Merryman, coming sir, coming.
End quote
https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85025697/1866-03-26/ed-1/seq-3/#date1=1850&index=3&rows=20&searchType=advanced&language=&sequence=0&words=BandWagon&proxdistance=5&date2=1870&ortext=&proxtext=&phrasetext=bandwagon&andtext=&dateFilterType=yearRange&page=1
The main reason I wanted to share this particular example is that it truly is the most common usage of band wagon at the time. Bandwagon was the term for a large number of people or animals - like those in a circus or music group - who were being transported to their next performance.
1883
There are mentions of people jumping onto band wagons… but most were literal - a person jumping up onto a wagon. As we get to the late 1800s, we start to see our phrase used in its full figurative glory, as in this example from a story published in the Press and daily Dakotaian, April 28, 1883, out of South Dakota, US.
Quote
L.E. Johnson, member of the capital syndicate who has invested largely at Ordway, Brown county, was in town last night. He made an offer of one corner lot to a Yanktonian if he would fall down and worship the syndicate and then jump on the band-wagon.
End quote
https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn91099608/1883-04-28/ed-1/seq-3/#date1=1870&index=0&date2=1883&searchType=advanced&language=&sequence=0&lccn=&words=band-wagon+jump&proxdistance=5&rows=20&ortext=&proxtext=&phrasetext=jump+on+the++bandwagon&andtext=&dateFilterType=yearRange&page=1
The man decided to pass on the offer.
1909
Moving into the 1900s, the phrase appears in The Bridgeport Evening Farmer, September 04, 1909, out of Connecticut, United States. Here is an excerpt,
Quote
Everyone is seeking homes along North Main St. Three homes on Thorne St. and cellars for two more being dug, house on Clark St., house on Birmingham St. where six months ago it was green fields.
50 to 60 houses built within the last twelve months north of St. Vincent Hospital.
Are you going to purchase now this fall?---jump in the band-wagon of prosperity!
End quote
https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84022472/1909-09-04/ed-1/seq-7/#date1=1900&sort=relevance&date2=1915&searchType=advanced&language=&sequence=0&lccn=&index=11&words=band-wagon+jump&proxdistance=5&rows=20&ortext=&proxtext=&phrasetext=jump+on+the++bandwagon&andtext=&dateFilterType=yearRange&page=2
There are quite a few examples from the early 1900s where the phrase is used in a positive way. Instead of saying that people are just following the crowd, it’s implied that they are taking advantage of a good deal. They are going with the trend and it benefits them in some way.
1912
Another example of this appears in the Saturday news, published July 25, 1912, out of South Dakota, US, in a half-page ad for Gilruth’s Package Grocery, Watertown. Here is an excerpt
Quote
Come in and let us show you how cheaply you can buy groceries if you buy them for cash and in quantities.
Jump Onto the Bandwagon Now
End quote
https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn2001063549/1912-07-25/ed-1/seq-5/#date1=1900&index=1&date2=1915&searchType=advanced&language=&sequence=0&lccn=&words=Bandwagon+Jump&proxdistance=5&rows=20&ortext=&proxtext=&phrasetext=jump+on+the++bandwagon&andtext=&dateFilterType=yearRange&page=1
The ad is in the form of an article which is titled, Difference Between Cash and Credit: High Cost of Living vs. Long Price. This was an interesting insight into the typical way of life for many individuals in the US during that time frame. And we’re going to read a little more of this piece in our behind the scenes which airs every Friday on Patreon. Find it at Patreon.com/BunnyTrailsPod.
1930
The phrase is also used in an ad for J.C. Penny Co., found in the Imperial Valley press, out of California, US, dated July 10, 1930. Here is a snippet,
Quote
Down - go prices - up go sales - more goods bought - more goods consumed - more goods manufactured - more jobs for everybody - more money in circulation - more money in your pocket - more prosperity - more happiness.
Jump Aboard the Bandwagon - Buy Now!
End quote
https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn92070146/1930-07-10/ed-1/seq-6/#date1=1920&index=7&date2=1935&searchType=advanced&language=&sequence=0&lccn=&words=Bandwagon+Jump&proxdistance=5&rows=20&ortext=&proxtext=&phrasetext=jump+on+the++bandwagon&andtext=&dateFilterType=yearRange&page=1
And the ad then lists different prices of popular clothing items for men, women, and children.
1943
The phrase continued to be seen in ads and political commentary. And here is one example where the writing covers multiple purposes. This is found in the article titled Marching Thru Berlin found in the January 10, 1943 edition of the Detroit evening times, out of Michigan, United States.
Quote
This is the opening number of THE AMERICAN WEEKLY’S 1943 series of SONG HITS, selected by America’s ace bandleaders.
Jump aboard the bandwagon for here we go - on an exciting trip to the outposts of musical popularity - with “We’ll Be Singing Hallelujah, Marching Thru Berlin,” picked by Vaughn Monroe.
End quote
https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn88063294/1943-01-10/ed-1/seq-66/#date1=1940&index=0&date2=1950&searchType=advanced&language=&sequence=0&lccn=&words=bandwagon+Jump&proxdistance=5&rows=20&ortext=&proxtext=&phrasetext=jump+on+the++bandwagon&andtext=&dateFilterType=yearRange&page=1
Here, the phrase is used playfully in a musical and promotional context, inviting readers to join in on what’s popular—linking patriotic sentiment, popular culture, and the notion of being part of a rising trend all in one sentence.
We have several modern uses to cover and we’ll get to those, right after we say thank you to our sponsors.
A Quick Thank You
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Modern Uses
1953
Although the movie The Band Wagon originally premiered in 1953, it continues to find new audiences today. The title refers to the literal band wagon—but in this case, the film almost turns the phrase on its head. Instead of showing people jumping on a trend, it presents the kind of spectacle that draws people in: polished, larger-than-life entertainment. One example is the “Girl Hunt Ballet,” a stylized dance sequence featuring Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse, choreographed by Michael Kidd and designed to mimic a gritty detective story.
Thanks to Turner Classic Movies, the scene is available on YouTube. Here's a portion of Astaire’s iconic monologue as he introduces the femme fatale and sets the tone for the noir-inspired number:
Quote
The city was asleep
Joints were closed
Rats, hoodlums, killers were in their holes
I hate killers
My name is Rod Riley, a detective
Somewhere in a furnished room, some guy was practising a horn
It was a lonesome sound, it crawled on my spine
I had just finished a tough case
I was ready to hit the sack.
I can smell trouble a mile off
And this poor kid was in trouble - big trouble
She was scared - scared as a turkey in November
End quote
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8QmkDzD8Sk
The scene plays like a noir parody.. dramatic narration, moody music, and tightly choreographed movement that really bring the pulp atmosphere to life. The scene is practically a trope on its own.
1987
The phrase appears in the lyrics to the song Bandwagon, released in 1987 by R.E.M. as part of the Athens, GA: Inside/Out soundtrack and later included in compilation albums. Here are some of the lyrics,
Quote
Look at all the flags and all the banners waving.
Open up our arms, a magic kingdom, open-armed and greet us all
Come on aboard I promise you you won't hurt the horse
We treat him well, we feed him well
There's lots of room for you on the bandwagon
End quote
https://youtu.be/rwiduu42GP4?si=fzoZExdOnFdekCT_
The phrase is used with a tone of irony—inviting the listener to join in something popular or idealistic, while also hinting at the absurdity or over-the-top nature of such mass enthusiasm. This is more of a novelty track, rather than a standout hit.
2021
Bandwagon effect is an oil on canvas painting by Paweł Batura, of Poland. The piece was created in 2021 and here is a little bit about the work.
Quote
The bandwagon effect is the tendency of an individual to acquire a particular style, behaviour or attitude because everyone else is doing it. It is a phenomenon whereby the rate of uptake of beliefs, ideas, fads and trends increases with respect to the proportion of others who have already done so. As more people come to believe in something, others also "hop on the bandwagon" regardless of the underlying evidence.
End quote
https://www.saatchiart.com/art/Painting-Bandwagon-effect/860524/8385433/view
2023
The phrase appears in the title of a nonfiction guidebook, Jumping On The Bandwagon: A Litmus Test For Buying A Livestock Guardian Dog, published in 2023, written by Tarma Shena and photographed by Jordan Didonato. Here is the synopsis,
Quote
Interested in purchasing a Livestock Guardian Dog for your farm, ranch, or homestead? These dogs are a unique breed group developed over thousands of years to defend their livestock, Shepherds, and territory. We'll help you decide if they are the right dog for you!
End quote
https://www.amazon.com/Jumping-Bandwagon-Litmus-Livestock-Guardian/dp/B0BRDFBZVP
2023
The phrase is used figuratively in a blog post on RA for All titled Jump on the "Bestsellers" Bandwagon, posted in February 2023. It suggests libraries embrace bestseller lists to increase patron engagement. Here is the start of the article,
Quote
I have been mourning the loss of my favorite bestseller list, the USA Today Bestseller list, which was discontinued on December 1, 2022. I loved this list because it gathered the top 150 books that sold in a given week without worrying about what category said book fell in, who published it, and for what age. Literally just the 150 best selling titles. It was an easy way to understand, from one perspective, what the most popular books were in the country at any snapshot in time.
End quote
https://raforall.blogspot.com/2023/02/jump-on-bestsellers-bandwagon.html
Our local library shares bestseller information but also recommendations directly from the staff at the Library. They also share book recs from others in the area, even teens who participate in the library’s activities.
2024
Bandwagon Effect by Rudiger Schmitt-Beck was published on Oxford Bibliographies in 2023 and last updated May 23, 2024. Here is part of the introduction,
Quote
The term “bandwagon effect” denotes a phenomenon of public opinion impinging upon itself. Conceptually, it is somewhat ambiguous, so that definitions in the literature vary. Often, it is defined as a tendency of people to affiliate with the winning side of a competition. More generally, it can be defined as an inclination of persons to join in their preferences or behaviors what they perceive to be existing or emerging majorities or dominant positions in society. This implies that success breeds further success, and alternatives that appear to enjoy a broad popular backing are likely to gain even stronger support. Sometimes, it is correspondingly claimed that minorities or losing alternatives, because of their weakness, suffer further losses of support. In any case, the notion of bandwagon effects implies the idea that perceived public opinion exhibits the quality of a self-fulfilling prophecy. For public opinion perceptions, information conveyed by the mass media is crucial. Reporting on public opinion polls is the most important, but not the only, source of such impressions. The notion of the bandwagon effect started its scientific life as a rather vague idea without a well-developed theoretical basis. Accordingly, it lacked conceptual precision and proved empirically elusive. But a number of carefully designed studies have succeeded in demonstrating that bandwagon effects do exist.
End quote.
https://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/display/document/obo-9780199756841/obo-9780199756841-0113.xml
This piece is an annotated bibliography, meaning it provides a curated list of published works on the topic of the Bandwagon Effect, each accompanied by a brief overview or summary to help readers understand the content and relevance of each source. So, it’s not original research… instead, it’s a guide to some of the literature on the topic.
Wrap up:
It’s clear the bandwagon is a powerful force, pulling people together in unexpected ways. Whether you’re on it or off, it’s part of how trends—and sometimes entire moments in history—get their momentum. Sometimes they are good and sometimes, not so much… we just have to be careful not to get swept away.
Shauna:
That’s about all we have for today. If you have any thoughts on the show, or pop culture references we should have included, reach out to us on Patreon, patreon.com/bunnytrailspod, or comment on our website, bunnytrailspod.com
Dan:
It’s poll time!
Recently we asked our Patrons, Are you an extrovert or introvert? Or maybe an Ambivert?
Here's a quick overview of each from Adam Grant of the TED Work Life Podcast.
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Extroverts tend to be outgoing and bold. They gravitate toward roles that put them in the center of attention. Introverts tend to be quiet and deliberative. They prefer one-on-one meetings, working on their own, and long walks on the beach (just kidding). Ambiverts fall in the middle of the spectrum, and they're equally comfortable in leadership and supporting roles, and they tend to adapt to fill voids in their teams.
End Quote
For our Patrons, over 80% identified as introverts. Ambiverts were next, with only a small percentage identifying as extroverts.
Shauna:
Jan said:
Quote
Introvert for sure. I work alone frequently. I’m not excited about speaking in front of people, yet I managed to end up in a career where I have to speak to large and small audiences from time to time.
End Quote
I’m an introvert as well. I do not work alone… I’m in a rather public-facing role. But I’ve got a lot of practice, so I’m pretty good at it. Unfortunately, it does have a tendency to really wear me out at times.
Dan:
Based on this, I'm a definite introvert. I often get confused as an extrovert by people who only see me when I'm supposed to be in an "on" state. I thought maybe I am an ambivert, but this seems to imply they are equally comfortable with both. I am immeasurably uncomfortable in front of others. But I'm just good at what my Dad would call, a "suck it up buttercup" process. So I teach a class in front of 40 to 50 people, then I spend the rest of the night in the hotel alone, working up the energy to do it again the next day. So I’ll stick with being an outgoing introvert.
As a reminder, our silly polls mean absolutely nothing and are not scientifically valid. And patrons of all levels, including our free tiers, can take part. Head over to patreon.com/bunnytrailspod to take this week’s poll!
Outro
Dan:
Thanks for joining us. We’ll talk to you again next week. Until then remember,
Together:
Words belong to their users.
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