Mexican wave

British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of Mexican wave

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

Example Sentences

There was the traditional Wembley backdrop of paper aeroplanes - with the first hitting the turf after 14 minutes as opposed to 33 against Albania - the Mexican wave and the thousands of empty seats well before the final whistle.

From BBC

The Qiddiya Coast Stadium will feature a ripple design to evoke the look of a Mexican wave, while the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium in Riyadh will be located on a clifftop.

From BBC

In the distance, some did a Mexican wave to a Girls Generation song.

From BBC

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