Mexican wave

noun

1. the rippling effect produced when the spectators in successive sections of a sports stadium stand up while raising their arms and then sit down

Word History and Origins

Origin of Mexican wave¹

C20: so called because it was first demonstrated at the World Cup in Mexico in 1986

Example Sentences

As it played, the BBC Singers and BBC Symphony Chorus started a Mexican Wave while brandishing football rattles and tennis rackets.

From BBC

And when it comes to the impact on our education system, you can think of changing pupil population like a Mexican wave, with peak birth years moving first through nurseries, then primary schools, then secondary schools, and into colleges and universities.

From BBC

"She was like a Mexican wave of joy throughout the hospital that preceded us," he said.

From BBC

Watching a small minority of fans leave after half-time and a half-hearted second-half Mexican Wave going around the ground while Italy were winning 18-0 were among the most depressing sights of a sorry campaign.

From BBC

Other planned events include “the largest Mexican wave ever performed” and a “giant karaoke.”

From Washington Times