What does popularity mean?

Answer 1

Popularity is the quality of being well-liked or common. Popularity figures are an important part of many people's personal value systems, and forms a vital component of success in people-oriented fields such as politics.

The term's earliest use in English was during the fifteenth century in law and politics, meaning "low", "base", "vulgar", and "of the common people" till the late eighteenth century by which time it began to mean "widespread" and gain in positive connotation. (Williams 1985)

Many different variations of popularity exist, and many ways in which to gain it. General popularity usually involves respect in two directions: the popular person is respected by his peers, and will simultaneously show them respect, thus reinforcing their belief that he is deserving of his popularity. Likewise, amicability is an important component of popularity, as a person who does not like others is unlikely to be liked by others. This reciprocal nature of interpersonal popularity is often overlooked by people (particularly the young) who are attempting to become popular: being loud or a show-off may be successful in gaining attention, but is unlikely to provide the necessary mutual respect characteristic of "true popularity".

Humor may also be a viable means of increasing one's popularity, as there are few people in the world who do not warm to somebody who amuses them. However if taken too far this strategy can result in one being seen as a clown or buffoon, who ends up laughed at rather than laughed with, and who misses out on the crucial component of respect.

Answer 2

What exactly is popular? It means to be well liked. These so called popular people are not well liked by me. How can they be well liked if all they do is make fun of people? They're "popular" in their own little group. Few outside the group like them. The only reason people want to be like them is because there are so many of them. You think..if I was part of this group these people wouldn't make fun of me. It's sad, very sad that these people lack so much self confidence they have to make fun of others to impress their group and be accepted.

Does popularity mean everything? *NO*. At times it might seem like it. But how long is this popularity going to last? Once you get out of high school you'll probably never talk to those people again. The way to be popular is to treat others how you would want to be treated. Don't hurt their feelings just so you can be accepted. It doesn't make you anything. Be yourself and gain friendships that way.

Answer 3

Main Entry: pop·u·lar
Pronunciation: 'pä-py&-l&r
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin popularis, from populus the people, a people
1 : of or relating to the general public
2 : suitable to the majority: as a : adapted to or indicative of the understanding and taste of the majority b : suited to the means of the majority : INEXPENSIVE
3 : frequently encountered or widely accepted
4 : commonly liked or approved
synonym see COMMON
- pop·u·lar·ly adverb

Answer 4

How much someone or something is liked by the general public. Computers are very popular, people like and use them. Disco's were popular but are now not.

Answer 5

Dictionary definition or what does it mean to me? I'll go with the second.
Popularity means absolutely nothing to me, but it did when I was younger. It meant that a bunch of people think that I was cool even though I couldn't even tell you any one of their names right now. What difference does it make what people think of you? Be you. I wish I wouldn't have wasted so much time trying to gain it.....

Answer 6

1. a lot of people liking you for being nice and helpful to them.
2.being mean,cruel,obnoxious, and bossy.
3. a lot of people hate you and your a spoiled brat.
4. Your mean and no one is yuor true friend because you would never tell the truth or you are always mean to them.
5. People only liking you because you are rich.

Answer 7

the quality of being widely admired or accepted or sought after; "his charm soon won him affection and popularity"; "the universal popularity of American movies"

Answer 8

it means awesome a lot of friends not like the brats they think there popular but thay have three friends im nice and i have a lot of friends so pritty much me

Answer 9

Everybody wants to be them they have a lot of friends and people like them.

Answer 10

Its means how well someone has duped other people into liking them.