sellout
UK[ˈselaʊt]US[ˈselaʊt]
n
a performance or event for which all tickets are sold
n
a betrayal of one's principles for reasons of expedience
n
a person who betrays a cause or principle for personal gain
Morpheme Breakdown
sell
out
sell
to give, furnish, supply, deliver; to give up, surrender
out
out, outside, beyond
Etymology
The word 'sellout' is a modern English compound formed from the verb 'sell' and the adverb 'out'. The term initially emerged in the late 19th century in a commercial context, literally describing an event where all inventory (tickets, goods) had been sold out completely. The figurative sense, implying a betrayal of principles for money or success, developed in the early 20th century. This evolution leverages the core idea of 'selling' one's integrity or allegiance, with 'out' intensifying the notion of finality and public exposure of the act. The term thus logically bridges the concrete act of commercial exchange with the abstract concept of moral compromise.
Analysis
Structure: sell + out
sell: From Old English sellan, meaning "to give, furnish, supply, deliver; to give up, surrender". In this compound, it functions as the core verb meaning "to exchange for money".
out: From Old English ūt, meaning "out, outside, beyond". In this compound, it functions as an adverbial particle indicating completeness or public exposure.
Examples
The band's concert was a complete sellout within minutes.
Many fans accused the artist of being a sellout when he licensed his music for a commercial.
His decision to support the policy was seen as a political sellout.