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The slang term “clout” is a term that you may have heard before due to its popularity. If you found yourself wondering what this term meant, then you have landed in the right spot. In this article, you will find out the meaning of the slang term “clout” and discover information about its origin.
You will also see possible other meanings if any exist and see the term used properly in example conversations so you can gain a further understanding from the term used in context. Finally, you will discover some alternate words or phrases that you can use in place of this term to convey the same meaning.
Clout Meaning, Origin and Usage
Key Takeaways
- “Clout” generally means influence, power, or social standing. It’s often used to describe someone’s popularity, authority, or impact, especially on social media or within certain communities.
What Does Clout Mean?
“Clout” has a few meanings, depending on context, but generally, it refers to influence, power, or social standing. Here’s a breakdown of its primary uses:
- Influence and Popularity:
- In social media and pop culture, “clout” refers to someone’s influence, often tied to their popularity, followers, or ability to sway opinions or trends.
- Example: “She’s got a lot of clout on Instagram, so brands always want to work with her.”
- Authority and Power:
- Clout can refer to having authority or power in a particular field, group, or society. It often implies respect or the ability to make decisions.
- Example: “As the top lawyer in the city, he has serious clout in the legal community.”
- Seeking Attention or Fame (Clout Chasing):
- “Clout chasing” is a term used to describe someone who seeks attention, fame, or validation, often by associating with popular figures or doing things to gain popularity.
- Example: “Posting that just to get noticed by influencers is pure clout chasing.”
Origin of Clout
The term “clout” has been used since the 1860s. During this time, the word was used popularly in the political world to define politicians who have a lot of pull or influence on others. Usage of the term dwindled over time and then became popular again with the rise of social media in the 2000s. In 2008, an app titled Klout was launched that was used to measure a user’s influence by assigning them a “Klout score.” Usage of this slang term spread even further and became more popular in the 2010s and is a popular slang term still used today.
Usage of “Clout”
Social Media and Online Fame
- To describe someone’s influence or popularity on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok. Example: “She’s only doing this for the clout.”
- Refers to actions taken solely to gain attention or followers. Example: “Posting that video was just a clout move.”
Pop Culture and Music
- Often used in music and pop culture to refer to someone’s status or influence. Example: “He’s got a lot of clout in the industry.”
- Frequently mentioned in lyrics to imply fame, influence, or credibility. Example: “Rappers talk about chasing clout in their songs.”
Everyday Conversations
- Used to describe someone’s influence or respect in a specific community. Example: “He’s got clout at work; people really listen to him.”
- Can also imply that someone has social power or sway. Example: “She has clout in the local art scene.”
Marketing and Branding
- Brands might collaborate with influencers who have “clout” to reach a wider audience. Example: “They hired him for his clout on social media.”
Criticizing Attention-Seeking Behavior
- Used to call out behavior that seems designed just to gain attention or approval. Example: “He’s only hanging out with them for clout.”
- Commonly paired with terms like “clout-chasing” to describe people who try to increase their social standing through associations or actions. Example: “That’s just clout-chasing, trying to be seen with famous people.”
Related Terms to “Clout”
- Influencer – A person with significant social media presence who can affect opinions and trends.
- Hype – Intense promotion or excitement around something, often used to build up someone’s status.
- Street Cred (Street Credibility) – Refers to respect or authenticity in a particular community, especially in music or urban culture.
- Flex – To show off or display wealth, popularity, or status, often to gain admiration or attention.
- Going Viral – Gaining rapid popularity online, often leading to increased clout or recognition.
- Fame – Widespread recognition, which is closely related to clout.
- Rep (Reputation) – Refers to someone’s standing or respect in a community or social circle.
- Cloud Chaser / Clout Chasing – Someone who seeks attention or popularity by associating with influential people or trends.
- Notoriety – A form of fame or clout that often has a negative or controversial aspect.
- Status – Social rank or standing that contributes to one’s influence or clout.
- Buzz – A term for the attention or excitement generated around someone or something, often translating to clout.
- Influence – The ability to affect others’ actions or opinions, closely linked to clout.
Alternatives to “Clout”
There are many words that you can use in place of the slang term “clout.” Some of the other words that you could use and still convey the same meaning include:
- swag
- power
- influence
Examples of “Clout”
A text messaging conversation between two friends:
- Friend 1: I am doing this project for school.
- Friend 2: What project?
- Friend 1: I have to name a recent person who has a lot of influence and explain why he/she has the power that they do.
- Friend 2: So you have to select a person with a lot of clout.
- Friend 1: Exactly! I am thinking of selecting PewDiePie.
An online conversation between two Facebook users:
- User 1: I can get anyone to like and respect me. Then they will do everything I ask of them.
- User 2: Man, stop clowning! You have no clout.
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