clout chaser

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clout chaser" is correct and usable in written English
It is typically used to describe someone who seeks to gain influence or popularity, often by associating with more prominent individuals or trends. Example: "She only hangs out with celebrities because she's a clout chaser."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It seems to me I hear this sort of thing most often from someone who wants to think climate science or evolutionary biology are in dispute (of course, you also have the conspiracy theorists, the anti-vaccine sorts, the Bigfoot chasers -- in descending order of political clout).

Huffington Post

— serves as a chaser.

The New York Times

A beer chaser?

The New York Times - Food

The woman chaser.

The New York Times - Arts

Clout pays off again.

The New York Times

I badly needed a chaser.

The New York Times

He's a skirt chaser.

The New Yorker

Straight No Chaser, a cappella.

The New York Times

Full-on, straight up, no chaser.

Independent

"The EU has clout.

The Guardian - Business

Apple has similar clout.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clout chaser" to describe individuals who strategically associate with influential people to enhance their own status or gain opportunities. Ensure the context clearly indicates intentional seeking of influence rather than mere association.

Common error

Avoid using "clout chaser" loosely to describe anyone who happens to be connected to influential people. The term implies active pursuit and strategic association, not just passive acquaintance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clout chaser" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to describe a person. It carries a descriptive and often pejorative connotation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and common usage, describing it as someone seeking influence or popularity by associating with prominent figures.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clout chaser" is a noun phrase that describes someone who strategically associates with influential people to enhance their own status or gain opportunities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its use as a label, often with a pejorative connotation. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts and carries a neutral register. Related phrases include "attention seeker", "fame seeker" and "social climber", each with subtle differences in meaning. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the context clearly indicates intentional seeking of influence rather than mere association, so avoid overgeneralizing its usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attention seeker

Focuses specifically on seeking attention, often without necessarily aiming for influence or status.

status seeker

Directly indicates a desire to achieve higher status, without specifying the methods used.

fame seeker

Emphasizes the pursuit of fame as the primary goal, which is a narrower focus than influence or general popularity.

influence peddler

Highlights the act of leveraging connections for influence, often with a negative connotation of exploiting relationships.

social climber

Describes someone who tries to improve their social status by associating with higher-status individuals.

publicity hound

Specifically refers to someone who aggressively seeks publicity, often through sensational or attention-grabbing actions.

opportunist

Highlights the exploitation of opportunities for personal gain, which may include seeking influence.

name dropper

Refers to someone who casually mentions famous or important people they know to impress others.

groupie

Implies a follower who is seeking proximity to famous individuals, often in the entertainment or music industry.

apple polisher

Suggests someone who tries to gain favor by flattering or pleasing superiors.

FAQs

How can I use "clout chaser" in a sentence?

You can use "clout chaser" to describe someone who actively seeks association with influential people to boost their own status or gain opportunities. For example, "She was labeled a "clout chaser" after being seen with several celebrities."

What's a good alternative to "clout chaser"?

Depending on the context, alternatives like "attention seeker", "fame seeker", or "social climber" might be appropriate. Each carries slightly different connotations.

Is it always negative to call someone a "clout chaser"?

While often pejorative, the term "clout chaser" isn't always strictly negative. It depends on the context and the speaker's intention. It can simply describe someone ambitious and strategic in their networking, though it often implies opportunism.

What distinguishes a "clout chaser" from someone who's simply ambitious?

A "clout chaser" specifically targets relationships with influential individuals as a means to an end, whereas someone who is simply ambitious might pursue their goals through various strategies, not solely relying on association with others.