English

Alternative forms

• wanna-be

Noun

wannabe ‎(plural wannabes)

1. (slang, derogatory, often attributive) Someone who wishes to be or do something, but lacks the qualifications or talent; an overeager amateur; an aspirant.

   Hollywood's restaurants are full of wannabe actors waiting to be discovered.

2. (Can we verify⁽⁺⁾ this sense?) (slang, derogatory, often attributive) Someone who pretends unity with an oppressor or the oppressed.

   A scab who crosses the picket line is a wannabe hoping for crumbs in exchange for treachery.

Synonyms

• tryhard

Coordinate terms

• bootlicker
• suckup
• sellout

Translations

See also

• would-be
• has-been