pander
What does "pander" mean?
To pander means to indulge or gratify someone's desires, weaknesses, or prejudices, often in a way that is considered distasteful or unethical. The mental image is of someone lowering their standards or sacrificing their integrity just to please an audience or a powerful individual, essentially acting as a "yes-man" to gain favor or profit. It is typically used in a negative or critical context, suggesting a lack of moral backbone. You will most often hear it paired with the preposition "to," as in "pandering to the crowd" or "pandering to voters' fears." It implies that the speaker is being manipulative or disingenuous by telling people exactly what they want to hear rather than the truth.
"pander" in conversation
Political campaign strategy
Our candidate needs to stop pandering to the fringe groups and start talking about real policy.
Our candidate needs to stop pandering to the fringe groups and start talking about real policy.
I agree, but the polls show that's exactly what the base wants to hear right now.
I agree, but the polls show that's exactly what the base wants to hear right now.
Used to describe politicians who prioritize winning votes over their own principles.
Movie review discussion
That sequel was just pure fan service.
That sequel was just pure fan service.
Totally. It was clearly pandering to the nostalgia of the original fans instead of trying to be a good movie.
Totally. It was clearly pandering to the nostalgia of the original fans instead of trying to be a good movie.
Used to describe creative work that relies on cheap tricks to please an audience.
"pander" in a sentence
The politician was accused of pandering to the wealthy donors.
The politician was accused of pandering to the wealthy donors.
It is disappointing to see the media pander to the public's worst instincts for the sake of higher ratings.
It is disappointing to see the media pander to the public's worst instincts for the sake of higher ratings.
The author refused to pander to his readers, choosing instead to write a challenging and uncompromising final chapter.
The author refused to pander to his readers, choosing instead to write a challenging and uncompromising final chapter.
