What is meat puppet slang for?

In slang, a meat puppet is a derogatory term primarily used to describe a person who lacks independent thought or consciousness, especially one who mindlessly follows the commands of others. It also specifically refers to a newsreader who is not a reporter.

Understanding the Slang Term "Meat Puppet"

The term "meat puppet" is a pejorative piece of slang that carries strong connotations of dehumanization and a lack of autonomy. It implies that an individual is merely a physical shell, devoid of a functioning mind or free will, operating solely at the behest of external forces or without any genuine understanding of their actions.

Core Meanings and Connotations

The slang term "meat puppet" encompasses several distinct, yet related, interpretations, all of which are derogatory in nature:

1. A Human Body Without Consciousness

At its most literal, "meat puppet" can refer to a human body without consciousness. This meaning emphasizes the physical aspect of a person, reducing them to mere flesh and bones, and suggesting an absence of a soul, mind, or any form of independent awareness. It strips away the individual's humanity, presenting them as an inanimate object or a vehicle.

2. A Person Who Mindlessly Follows Commands

Perhaps the most common usage, this refers to a person who mindlessly follows the commands of others. Such an individual is perceived as lacking critical thinking, unable or unwilling to form their own opinions, and simply obeying instructions without question. They are seen as being controlled or manipulated, acting out a script written by someone else, much like a puppet controlled by strings.

• Examples of this usage might include:
  • Someone who unquestioningly adheres to an ideology without personal conviction.
  • An employee who blindly follows every directive, even if illogical, without offering input.
  • An individual who is easily swayed by peer pressure and acts without genuine intent.

3. A Newsreader, Especially One Who is Not a Reporter

In a more specific and equally derogatory context, "meat puppet" can be used to describe a newsreader, especially one who is not a reporter. This particular application criticizes news anchors or presenters who are seen as merely reciting news prepared by others, without having been involved in the investigative journalism or reporting process themselves. The implication is that they are simply the "face" delivering information, lacking the depth, experience, or integrity of a true journalist who gathers and understands the news firsthand.

Summary of Meanings

To provide a quick overview of the various interpretations of "meat puppet," refer to the table below:

In all its uses, "meat puppet" conveys a strong sense of contempt and dismissiveness, highlighting a perceived lack of intelligence, agency, or genuine contribution from the person it describes.