August 16, 2007
Lemming
A lemming refers to a purchase/wished-for-item which results from reading an enthusiastic post about a new fabulous product. Overcome by compulsion, readers follow like lemmings diving off a cliff.
Originally coined in the alt.fashion newsgroup (I’m old enough to remember those boards and wise enough not to admit it) in the late 90s, the term has permeated numerous beauty boards/forums/sites.
May be used as a noun or verb. May apply to the buyer but more commonly to the item of desire.
A flemming is a fledgeling lemming.
Example:
What makeup items are on your current lemming list?
I am totally lemming the entire upcoming MAC collection!
Source: Urban Dictionary