Do you know where the phrase ‘Jump on the bandwagon’ comes from? 

The English is full of interesting idioms and phrases that have fascinating back stories. One among these is ‘Jump on the bandwagon’. Well, there can’t be a literal jump on the so-called bandwagon ever. Ever wondered what it actually implies or where does it originate from? Read on to know more. 

What does the phrase ‘Jump on the bandwagon’ mean? 

In simple terms, the phrase ‘Jump on the bandwagon’ conveys that someone has done or is doing something only because it is trending or fashionable. The bandwagon effect refers to people's propensity to embrace certain habits, styles, or attitudes, merely because others are doing so. More specifically, it is a cognitive bias in which public opinion or behaviour can change as a result of a public rallying around certain acts and beliefs.  It's a psychological phenomenon in which the rate at which people adopt beliefs, ideas, fads, and trends rises in relation to the proportion of people who have previously done so.  Others "jump on the bandwagon" as more people start to believe in something, regardless of the facts. 

Individuals may follow the activities or views of others because they wish to comply or because they acquire information from others. The bandwagon effect derives much of its power from people's desire to 'fit in' with their peers. Making similar choices to others is perceived as a way to acquire entry to a specific social group.  Fashion fads are an example of this, where the rising popularity of a certain garment or style pushes more individuals to "jump on or get on the bandwagon”. 

Where does this phrase originate from? 

The origins of this expression can be broken down into two components, beginning with the word 'bandwagon.' Phineas T. Barnum, also known as P T Barnum, was a famous circus owner and showman. He was the one who created the term "bandwagon" to describe the wagons that transported a circus band. In his autobiography, 'The Life of P T Barnum,’ written in 1855, he used the term for the first time. 

Well, circuses could entice crowds by putting on a spectacular procession through town, complete with a lavishly painted bandwagon. Taking lessons from this, politicians also started using bandwagons in electoral campaigns. So, at one point of time the phrase ‘Jump on the Bandwagon’ used to imply "showing alliance to a politician". However, it is uncertain when the meaning changed to the figurative one that we use today. However, in his ‘Letters’, written in 1899, Theodore Roosevelt made a clear reference to the practice: “When I once became sure of one majority they tumbled over each other to get aboard the bandwagon’. 

How is this phrase used in written and/or spoken conversational English? 
The phrase is used quite often while trying to make a point about something that is currently popular among the masses. Some common examples of the usage of this phrase are here:  

• Politicians are jumping on the Twitter bandwagon in droves to reach more voters 
• With so many people jumping on the food truck bandwagon, there’s a market for new restaurants in the city 
• Is it too late for small mom-and-pop stores to get on the internet delivery bandwagon? 

• Ira is not the kind of person to jump on the bandwagon.