shill

[shil]

noun

1. a person who poses as a customer in order to decoy others into participating, as at a gambling house, auction, confidence game, etc.

2. a person who publicizes or praises something or someone for reasons of self-interest, personal profit, or friendship or loyalty.

verb (used without object)

1. to work as a shill.

   He shills for a large casino.

verb (used with object)

1. to advertise or promote (a product) as or in the manner of a huckster; hustle.

   He was hired to shill a new TV show.

shill

/ ʃɪl /

noun

1. slang,  a confidence trickster's assistant, esp a person who poses as an ordinary customer, gambler, etc, in order to entice others to participate

Word History and Origins

Origin of shill¹

First recorded in 1920–25; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of shill¹

C20: perhaps shortened from shillaber a circus barker, of unknown origin

Example Sentences

The National Association for Gun Rights accused Gowdy of being a “shill for gun control” and said his call to action was “unacceptable.”

From Salon

She was broke, and trying to raise a baby, while working as a shill at a dice-and-poker house in El Monte.

From Los Angeles Times

But of course, every president since Ronald Reagan has also been complicit in that demise, which has led us to “independent content creators” who are nothing more than propagandists and shills.

From Salon

Given this view, many have also told me I should have the courage of my convictions and not only vote for Harris but also shill for her.

From Los Angeles Times

The gathered Georiga women did seem rather weirdly ecstatic by his presence, but that's because they were all Republican party shills and ardent supporters brought in by Fox.

From Salon

Related Words

• bettor 
• bookie 
• bookmaker 

When To Use

What does shill mean?

A shill is a person who praises or promotes something because they secretly have a personal stake in it.