What does “Jump the shark” mean?
"Jump the shark" means to reach the peak of popularity and then decline in quality or relevance.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The TV show jumped the shark when they introduced a talking dog.
Example
The band's latest album is a clear example of them jumping the shark.
Example
The movie franchise jumped the shark with its fifth installment
Is “Jump the shark” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Jump the shark” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Jump the shark” effectively in context?
You can use "Jump the Shark" to describe a situation where something or someone has reached its peak and is now declining in quality or relevance. Here are three distinct situations where you can use this idiom effectively:
- 1TV Show
After several successful seasons, the popular sitcom jumped the shark when they introduced a new character who completely changed the dynamic of the show.
- 2Music
The band's latest album is a clear example of them jumping the shark. It lacks the originality and creativity that made their earlier work so popular.
- 3Movie Franchise
The movie franchise jumped the shark with its fifth installment. The plot became convoluted, and the characters lost their depth, leading to a decline in audience interest.
Similar phrases to “Jump the shark”:
Peak and decline
To reach the highest point of success and then experience a decline
Example
The company peaked in the 1990s but has been in decline ever since.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Jump the shark” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Jump the Shark" can be traced back to a specific episode of the TV show 'Happy Days.' In this episode, the character Fonzie jumps over a shark while waterskiing, which was seen as a desperate attempt to maintain viewership. This moment is often cited as the point where the show started to decline in quality. Since then, the phrase has been used to describe any situation where something reaches its peak of popularity and then declines in quality or relevance.
Is “Jump the shark” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Jump the Shark" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation, especially when discussing the decline of popular culture. People often use it to express their disappointment or frustration when something they once enjoyed starts to lose its appeal.
What tone does “Jump the shark” have?
"Jump the Shark" conveys a tone of criticism and disappointment. It suggests that something has lost its original charm or quality and is now in decline.
Can “Jump the shark” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Jump the Shark" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a widely recognized idiom that describes a specific phenomenon in popular culture. You can use it in casual conversations with friends or colleagues, as well as in more formal discussions or writing.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The TV show "jumped the shark" when they introduced a talking dog.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'That show really "jumped the shark"!' to express disappointment.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- deteriorate
- fall from grace
- decline in quality
- lose its appeal
- go downhill
Antonyms
- improve
- peak of success
- rise in popularity
- regain relevance
