sock puppet
verbEtymology From sock + puppet.
1
To create or use a sock puppet (alternative user account).
sock puppet
nounUK /ˈsɒkˌpʌpɪt/ · US /ˈsɑkˌpʌpɪt/
Etymology From sock + puppet.
1
A puppet made from a sock placed over a hand.
2
Synonym of puppet (“a person completely controlled by another”)
3
Internet, Derogatory An alternative pseudonymous online account, especially one used for abuse.
- Trying to prove that a new user is simply a previous user in a new sock puppet is quite hard for the ordinary user and even administrators.2009, Andrew Lih, The Wikipedia Revolution, page 303:
- The Internet has created many opportunities for online voting. Unscrupulous people will create sock puppets in order to stuff online ballot boxes. In other cases, a sock puppeteer may create multiple identities to support arguments, voice opinions, or otherwise create the online illusion that may people support the sock puppeteer. This practice is called a "Sybil attack" […]2014, Timothy R. Levine, Encyclopedia of Deception, Vol. II, s.v. Sockpuppetry
- Derived terms
- meat puppet, sock puppeteer, sockpuppetry