clout goblin
- noun
- /klaʊt ˈɡɒblɪn/
- Offensive
- His constant posting made him seem like a total clout goblin to his friends.
Examples
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Some influencers are accused of being clout goblins who care only about followers.
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Don't be a clout goblin; focus on genuine connections instead.
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Stop being such a clout goblin!
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Many clout goblins thrive on social media.
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Many young people are becoming clout goblins by trying to gain followers through sensational posts.
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She acts like a clout goblin, always posting selfies to attract attention online.
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Critics say that some celebrities are just clout goblins chasing fame instead of being authentic.
Synonyms
A person who tries hard to get public or media attention
A person who tries too hard to get attention from many people
A vain, talkative person who likes to show off
How Attention-Seeking
- Offensive
- Offensive
- Offensive
Surface Forms
Morphology
The components 'clout' (influence) and 'goblin' (a mischievous, pejorative creature) combine to create a metaphorical label for someone who obsessively seeks attention or influence; a learner who knows both words can infer a negative, attention-seeking sense. However, this is slangy and creatively metaphorical rather than a standard compositional pattern, so the precise pragmatic nuances and social-media usage are not fully predictable without exposure.
Etymology
Clout goblin paints a picture of a small, greedy goblin grabbing clout, which here means 'influence' or 'attention'. So it describes someone who constantly chases 'popularity' or 'attention' online, even if not sincere.