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

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.