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

But many believe George Henderson - or Krazy George - from the US deserves credit for initiating and directing the first ever wave, which is known as the Mexican wave outside North America.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026

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

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2024

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

From Seattle Times • Dec. 30, 2023

The Mexican wave in a stadium looks like a pattern traveling across the tiers.

From Science Daily • Sep. 29, 2023

But the shadow cabinet does an “ooh no” Mexican wave around a bleached-pine kitchen-supper table.

From The Guardian • Sep. 23, 2014