sheeple

American  

[shee-puhl] / ˈʃi pəl /

plural noun

1. people who are like sheep in being meek, conforming, or easily led.

   Maintaining fear, division, and hate is a priority—sheeple are easier to herd when frightened.

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sheeple British  

/ ˈʃiːpəl /

noun

1. informal people who tend to follow the majority in matters of opinion, taste, etc

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Etymology

Origin of sheeple

First recorded in 1945–50; sheep ( def. ) + (peop)le ( def. )

Explanation

The word sheeple is a pretty mean-spirited term. It's used by some critics to describe people whom they perceive as behaving in an overly meek and docile manner. The word sheeple is a portmanteau of sheep and people. In general, sheep are thought of as being quite docile and easy to herd. They follow a shepherd, and they stick together, traveling the same path as the other sheep. The term sheeple emerged in the 20th century as a negative critique of mass consumerism and political conformity. Because it compares humans to livestock, especially in a way that suggests being overly simple, unquestioning, and conformist, it is considered an offensive term.

Example Sentences

They blur the line between personal and professional attire with a confidence that seems to jest at our conformity: Didn’t you sheeple know the rules are made up?

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 16, 2025

Their conspiracy theories offer them a way to feel special like they are privy to insider knowledge that the "sheeple" are too stupid or ignorant to understand.

From Salon • Oct. 11, 2023

Along with "ew" and "OK," words including "sheeple," "wayback" and "emoji" are included.

From Fox News • Sep. 24, 2018

Of those, other newbies include: aquafaba, beatdown, zomboid, twerk, sheeple, wayback, bokeh, botnet, emoji, facepalm, frowny, hivemind, puggle and nubber.

From BBC • Sep. 24, 2018