bottom feeder

or bot·tom-feed·er

[ bot-uhm fee-der ]

noun

1. bottom fish.
2. an opportunist, as in politics or business:

   bottom feeders who buy up commercial failures.

3. a person or thing having low status or value; loser:

   bottom feeders hanging out in seedy bars.

4. a person who appeals to base instincts:

   Gossip columnists are the bottom feeders of journalism.

bottom feeder

noun

1. a fish that feeds on material at the bottom of a river, lake, sea, etc
2. an objectionable and unimpressive person or thing
3. Also calledbottom fisher a speculator who buys shares in companies that are performing poorly in anticipation of improved performance

Word History and Origins

Origin of bottom feeder¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

There are no recent titles to lure prospective players, but Locksley believes this program, recently a bottom feeder in the Big Ten, has an “unlimited ceiling.”

From Washington Post

Many comedians have rejected the bro code and pushed back against resorting to bottom-feeder rape punchlines for cheap laughs.

From The Daily Beast

It is very largely a bottom feeder and, therefore, rather of a sluggish nature.

From Project Gutenberg

As it is a bottom feeder a sinker must be used to keep the bait at the proper depth.

From Project Gutenberg

The barbel projecting from the chin denotes that it is a bottom feeder.

From Project Gutenberg

It is a bottom feeder, and sinkers must be used to keep the bait near the fish.

From Project Gutenberg

The bream (Pagellus centrodontus) is another bottom-feeder which resembles the fresh-water bream both in appearance and habits.

From Project Gutenberg