sucker list

noun

Informal.

1. a list of names and addresses of persons considered by a business, charity organization, etc., to be likely purchasers or donors.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sucker list¹

An Americanism dating back to 1945–50

Idioms and Phrases

A list of names of likely prospects for making purchases or donations, as in Some charities raise money by selling their sucker lists to other organizations. This term uses sucker in the sense of “dupe,” a usage that in turn alludes to the naiveté of a baby suckling at its mother's breast. [Colloquial; 1940s]

Example Sentences

Answering the phone when scam artists call can put you on a “sucker list” that will prompt more calls.

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The movie was called “Sucker List.”

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This was called lead generation, and it professionalized the sucker list.

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Once people appear on a “sucker list” as having responded to a fraudulent call or mailing, con artists will pursue them.

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It is a ‘sucker list’—the names of stock biters and the price per bite.

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