bottom feeder

American  

[bot-uhm fee-der] / ˈbɒt əm ˌfi dər /

Sometimes bottom-fisher or bottom-feeder

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.

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bottom feeder British  

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 called: bottom fisher.  a speculator who buys shares in companies that are performing poorly in anticipation of improved performance

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Etymology

Origin of bottom feeder

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

In Weidman’s novel, the main character, a garment industry climber named Harry Bogen, is an impenitent snake, a moral bottom feeder who knows no bottom.

From New York Times • Oct. 30, 2023

Many considered him a bottom feeder, and some said so to his face.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 24, 2023

Meyer’s actions were the latest embarrassment for a franchise that’s been mostly a bottom feeder since Khan took over in 2012.

From Washington Times • Oct. 5, 2021

“We’re like this entertainment-industry bottom feeder, and as such we have a ton of creative freedom to really define what the American pub quiz actually is.”

From The Guardian • Mar. 5, 2020

When this program gains control, it is powerful enough to load the actual OS and hand control over to it. :bottom feeder: /n./

From The Jargon File, Version 4.0.0, 24 Jul 1996 by Raymond, Eric S.