thumbsucker

noun — 2 senses

thumbsucker

noun

Etymology From thumb + sucker, suggesting the ignorance of a thumb-sucking child who needs things explained.

Someone who sucks their thumb.

US, Slang A piece of serious journalism that explains the background of current events and interprets them in a manner comforting to the intended readers.

Related terms: think piece, thumbsuck

Entry derived from the Wiktionary, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0 — list of authors.