sock puppet


noun

a hand puppet made out of a sock.
a person or group whose actions are controlled by another; a puppet.
  1. Also called sock. a false name or identity assumed by an Internet user, often to communicate favorable or self-serving comments or used to create a mythical rival with whom that user can successfully argue online.
  2. Also called sock, sock account. an online user account created for such purposes.
Also sock·pup·pet [sok-puhp-it] /ˈsɒkˌpʌp ɪt/.

Origin of sock puppet

1959 for def 1; 1990–95 for def 2

OTHER WORDS FROM sock puppet

sock-pup·pet, verb (used without object), sock-pup·pet·ed, sock-pup·pet·ing.

British Dictionary definitions for sock puppet

sock puppet

noun

a simple puppet made from a sock and worn over one hand
an extra online identity created by a member of a discussion forum, etc, to agree with opinions submitted under his or her usual online name

Derived forms of sock puppet

sock puppeteer, noun sock puppetry, noun