The lunatic fringe

usgb
noun

A small group of people within a larger group who hold extreme or strange ideas.

The theories of the lunatic fringe of the scientific community are often dismissed.
Visual representation of "the lunatic fringe" - A small group of people within a larger group who hold extreme or strange ideas

Often appears as...

  • dismiss the lunatic fringe
  • part of the lunatic fringe

Usage tips

Disapproving

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "the lunatic fringe"
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Negative Connotation

The phrase often suggests disapproval and may be seen as dismissive towards the group it describes.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
Politicians sometimes distance themselves from the lunatic fringe of their parties.
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Small Group

Emphasizes that the term refers specifically to a minority within a larger entity.

Illustration for Small Group
Despite its noise, the lunatic fringe only represents a tiny fraction of the movement.
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Perception Context

Understanding the phrase often depends on who uses it, as it can reflect their viewpoint on what is extreme.

Illustration for Perception Context
To traditional economists, those promoting cryptocurrency belong to the lunatic fringe.
Visual representation of the word "The lunatic fringe"

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