The original meaning of
bandwagon was a large,
ornately decorated, brightly colored
wagon carrying the band in a
parade. The term
jumping on the bandwagon originates from the
18th century-early
19th century Southern
United States custom of jumping on the bandwagon during a
political or
religious rally to
audibly express
support for whatever
cause the rally promoted. People trying to advance their own (usually political) careers would jump on the bandwagon to address the public
for fun and profit.
It is possible to:
- jump on the bandwagon
- climb on the bandwagon
- hop on the bandwagon
- get on the bandwagon
- join the bandwagon