Monger

/ˈmɑːŋɡər/ noun

Definition

a person who deals in or promotes something, often something undesirable (as in fishmonger, fearmonger, or warmonger).

Etymology

From Old English 'mangere,' from Latin 'mango' (dealer or merchant). Originally neutral, the term acquired negative connotations when applied to specific types like 'fearmonger.'

Kelly Says

Fishmonger, cheesemonger, and warmonger all use the same root, but over time 'monger' became specifically attached to negative traders, making the word shift from neutral to critical.

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