And the word is “Shill” isn’t it? It’s one of my faves, I ask people alla time “are you a fool or a shill?” but people just get mad, prolly cuz I exposed their shillfull behavior.

I disagree with Tom Foolery up above, myrmidon does not work.

I disagree with your disagreement! It’s true that Myrmidons are loyal, but the source of their loyalty isn’t connoted in the word itself, so it doesn’t exclude the possibility of having said loyalty purchased. For that reason, I think it’s a far better term to use than the one Grayson used, because it focuses on what’s really wrong with the behavior of some lobbyists — the willingness to do or advocate abhorrent things without questioning their employers.

If it’s really important that we get the money in there, you can call them “money-grubbing myrmidons,” and get some alliteration in there, too.

In law its pretty common for people to call certain experts plaintiff’s or defense whores because they will say anything for money as opposed to give their honest opinion. I have been for quite a while trying to figure out a way to express contempt for such people without using the word whore and I have yet to come up with a word that really fits the bill.

I disagree with Tom Foolery up above, myrmidon does not work. It connotes a loyal follower or automaton (based on the original ant people) they may be ruthless but there is no connotation of principles for sale.

The closest I can think of is mercenary or hired gun, but again they don’t really carry the right nuance.

I think the problem is that English doesn’t really have our back, at least when it comes to expressing negative opinions of people. Many of the words seem to be based on denigrating some group. “Lame” “idiot” “Hysterical” “dumb” all have strong even nuanced meanings, but all have lots of baggage.

Lobbyists are kind of like prostitutes; advocating for something you believe in is exhilirating and satisfying. Advocating for something you pretend to believe in and getting paid for it is the prostitution equivalent. So in this game, sex and advocacy are things that should be saved for when you really care, and these people dish one or the other out for money.

Also, people call men this word, too. I think it just means “people who pretend to be sincere in exchange for money.”

Ummm … I’m feeling a little bit sensitive about people making sweeping statements about what sex workers do. sex workers pretend to be sincere in exchange for money? And, therefor, using a word so full of contempt for sex workers, or anyone perceived to share qualities with sex workers, is justified? Could you elaborate on your vast experience with sex workers that leads you to this conclusion?

If you just exert yourself, you will find English has got your back.

norbiz, I too think you’re missing the point a bit.

AJD, I’m not sure I see what’s objectionable about that use of “masturbation.” Not that masturbation’s a bad thing but I doubt you’ll find many people who’ll say it’s particularly important or anything more than a leisure activity.

Also, people call men this word, too. I think it just means “people who pretend to be sincere in exchange for money.”