sock puppet

Also sock·pup·pet

[sok puhp-it]

noun

1. a hand puppet made out of a sock.

2. a person or group whose actions are controlled by another; a puppet.

   The politician was suspected to be a sock puppet for the oil company he'd invested in.

3. Digital Technology.

   1. Also called sock. a false name or identity assumed by an internet user, often to deceive or to preserve the user's anonymity.

      The forum is moderated by Bob, and has a contributor named Tom, a sock puppet operated by Bob.

   2. Also called sock account. Also called sock,. an online user account created for such purposes.

      I'm posting from a sock puppet because I don't want my boss to see this.

verb (used without object)

Digital Technology.

1. to assume a false identity or name on the internet, often to deceive or to preserve the user's anonymity.

   The contest succeeded, despite people's tendencies to sock puppet and upvote their own work.

sock puppet

noun

1. a simple puppet made from a sock and worn over one hand

2. an extra online identity created by a member of a discussion forum, etc, to agree with opinions submitted under his or her usual online name

Other Word Forms

• sock-puppet verb (used without object)
• sock puppetry noun
• sock puppeteer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sock puppet¹

First recorded in 1959 sock puppet for def. 1; in 1990–95 sock puppet for def. 2; and in 2000–05 sock puppet for def. 3