shill
UK[ʃɪl]US[ʃɪl]
n
A person who pretends to give an impartial endorsement of something but is actually working for the seller.
v
To act as a shill for someone or something.
Etymology
The origin of 'shill' is obscure but is first attested in American carnival and circus slang of the early 20th century. It is widely believed to be a shortening of the surname 'Shillibeer', perhaps that of a particular notorious carnival confederate, making it an example of a proprietary eponym. The core logic of the word evolved from naming a specific person or role to denoting a general class of deceptive promoters who feign disinterest to lure customers. Its meaning has since expanded from carnival barkers to encompass anyone who deceptively promotes a product, idea, or person in any context.
Analysis
This word is a simplex. It is a 20th-century American English word of uncertain origin, likely from the given name 'Shillibeer' or a similar surname, used as a cant term for a confederate or decoy.
Examples
The man in the crowd enthusiastically buying the product was later revealed to be a paid shill.
Some online reviews are written by shills hired by the company to boost its reputation.
He was accused of shilling for the political candidate by posing as a neutral commentator.