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sheeple

/ˈʃipəl/
IPA guide

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.

Definitions of sheeple
  1. noun
    people who are easily led, influenced or manipulated, and who struggle to stand up for themselves
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