People who try to influence politicians and government decisions by arguing for a particular cause or group's interests.
From 'lobby' (a hallway or entrance area) combined with '-ist' (a person who does something). The word emerged when activists would wait in legislative building lobbies to speak with politicians.
The term 'lobbyist' wasn't always negative—it simply described anyone petitioning their government, which is a protected right—but it now carries the weight of organized wealth influencing policy!
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