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The meaning and origin of the expression: A Mexican wave

A Mexican wave

What's the meaning of the phrase 'A Mexican wave'?

A wave effect formed when crowds in stadia rise up and down from their seats in succession.

What's the origin of the phrase 'A Mexican wave'?

Given that name when the phenomenon came to a mass audience during the football World Cup held in Mexico in 1986. It had originated somewhat earlier, probably in US colleges. This piece from The New York Times, October 1984, pre-dates the football tournament:

"This undulating human wave ... apparently became popular at University of Washington football games a few years ago."

Mexican waveThat 'apparently' indicates that the New York Times had no proof. Nevertheless, there are strong representations from supporters of that view, who claim 'The Wave' was first performed on October 31, 1981 at an American football game at the University of Washington's Husky Stadium.

The action itself, whatever those involved at the time called it, certainly pre-dates 1981. In the Fred MacMurray comedy film Son of Flubber, 1963, the crowd at an American football game can clearly be seen to enact what we would now call a 'Mexican Wave'.

Gary Martin - the author of the phrases.org.uk website.

By Gary Martin

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

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