hunbot
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English
Etymology
From hun + -bot, from the affectionate use of the word "hun" (from honey) and the resemblance to a spambot.
Noun
hunbot (plural hunbots)
- (Internet slang, derogatory) One who uses false endearments in pursuit of online sales or MLM (multi-level marketing).
- 2020 December 18, Kaitlyn Tiffany, “The Internet Is Starting to Turn on MLMs”, in The Atlantic:
- Throughout the past year, the anti-MLM group on Reddit has been documenting what it refers to as the efforts by the “hunbots” to “infiltrate” TikTok.
- 2019 November 29, Alley Pascoe, quoting Instagram user “jiniandtonic”, “5 Women Reveal The Moment They Realised They Were In A Pyramid Scheme”, in Marie Claire[1]:
- I am so frustrated to see an MLM at the same market as women owned businesses that have built their shit up from the ground up, not with a $99 starter kit. […] #antimlm #pyramidscheme #hunbot #mlm #mlmfail
- 2021 October 11, Paige Nicewaner, “Nicewaner: Hey, girly: Exploring the hidden world of the multi-level marketing industry”, in The Standard: Missouri State University:
- Junior non-traditional student Allie London said “hunbots” frequently take advantage of vulnerable women by convincing them to join the MLMs they work for.
Usage notes
Often applied to middle-aged women, especially those who act overly enthusiastic.