Mass Formation

A phenomenon in mob psychology where a large group spontaneously joins into a monolithic, like-minded alliance with a sole purpose. The alliance is neither deliberate nor planned, but results from the powerful human instinct to protect the community.

While traditional mob psychology focuses on how crowds become instantly disorderly and chaotic, mass formation theory demonstrates how crowds become instantly orderly and unified. The word "formation" is used to invoke the image of a flight formation of fighter jets: the jets move in perfect "formation" with each other, as if they are one.

Mass formations can be either positive or negative.

POSITIVE EXAMPLES -- A mob can spontaneously unite during a momentary crisis (fire, earthquake, etc) becoming a powerful force for combatting the crisis, and/or saving those imperiled by the crisis. Examples include a bucket brigade fighting a fire, or a human chain of people attempting to rescue someone who fell through thin ice.

NEGATIVE EXAMPLES -- A mob can join into a silent, angry wall of (temporarily) wordless and (temporarily) motionless hostility against a solitary individual. This community-wide anger can culminate with an entire village acting in a blind fury to punish, banish, or execute the offender.

Some Hollywood films included scenes with mass formations.

POSITIVE SCENES: "It's a Wonderful life," "The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming,"

NEGATIVE SCENES: "Home Alone," "Angels and Demons," "Game of Thrones."

Queen Cersei's famous Walk of Shame in "Game of Thrones" was met with a mass formation of the citizens of King's Landing who jeered and threw garbage at her.

by Innocent Byproduct January 8, 2022

don't know your ass from a hole in the ground

It means you don't know any better or not up for the job.

Son you don't know your ass from a hole in the ground What makes you think you can do this?

by tipifire September 14, 2006

Fromance

n., pron. froh-mans: A friendship/romance with a member of the opposite sex, most readily defined by a) its comfort, consistency, and ease, b) its ability to inspire "but what if..." thoughts, and c) its lack of sex.

Aww Steve and Rachael make such a cute couple. Oh their not a couple there just in a fromance

by MsBleu 21 March 10, 2011

format C:\

to fuck up a Windows computer.

Guy 1: I have a virus pls help me pls pls pls
Troll: type format C:\ in the command prompt
Guy 1: dude wtf my computer won't turn on now

by cookiemonstereatsham July 11, 2016

Reaction Formation.

A psychoanalytic term first described by Sigmund Freud. A defense mechanism employed to avoid true emotions. Reaction Formation occurs when person displays the opposite emotions of what he/she is really feeling. The avoidance of pain through psychological defense mechanisms. Can be done subconsciously.

When your girlfriend says, "I can't wait to move back to California." She really means, "I'm going to be completely heartbroken when I leave on December 22nd." By displaying the opposite emotion, she is utilizing reaction formation.

by sugarcube October 6, 2009

ALL UP IN MY GEORGE FORMAN

TO BE IN ONE'S GRILL.
TO BE IN ONE'S FACE.
ALL UP IN SOMEONE'S FACE.

"GIRL HE WAS ALL UP IN MY GEORGE FORMAN TRYING TO ASK FOR MY NUMBER."

"WHY YOU ALL UP IN MY GEORGE FORMAN? GIVE ME SOME SPACE!"

by SENRYAN July 24, 2009

Frama

A word describing drama between the female sex.

Have you been into the office lately? There is a lot of frama between Betty and Sue.

by HandOfTheDamned May 26, 2011