Pandered Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ญ
pandered
[หpรฆndษrd ]
Definition
cater to
To pander means to gratify or indulge someone's desires or weaknesses, often for personal gain or advantage. It can refer to the act of providing what someone wants, even if it is not in their best interest. The term is frequently used in a negative light, suggesting manipulation or exploitation of a person's needs or wants.
Synonyms
cater, gratify, indulge, satisfy.
Examples of usage
- The politician pandered to the crowd's desires for reform.
- She felt he was pandering to her every whim.
- Critics argue that the show panders to lowbrow humor.
- He pandered to the audience's expectations to win their approval.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- In literature, characters who pander often serve as catalysts for conflict, showcasing moral dilemmas.
- Pandering is a common theme in works exploring power dynamics and human relationships.
Psychology
- From a psychological standpoint, pandering can lead to unhealthy relationships where one person always gives in to the otherโs demands.
- People often pander to gain social approval, but this can result in loss of authenticity and increased stress.
Pop Culture
- In film and music, characters or songs that pander to audiences often receive mixed reviews for sacrificing artistic integrity.
- Reality TV often highlights situations where contestants pander to judges or audiences for votes.
Politics
- Politicians may pander to specific voter bases, promising what they want to gain support, sometimes at the cost of broader societal needs.
- This tactic is often criticized as it can lead to short-term gains but may overlook important long-term consequences.
Origin of 'pandered'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the name 'Pandarus,' a character in Geoffrey Chaucerโs 'Troilus and Criseyde,' who helped others fulfill their desires.
- Originally, 'pander' referred to a go-between or someone who tries to make things happen for someone else, often in a questionable manner.
The word 'pandered' comes from the late Middle English, derived from the name Pandarus, a character from Geoffrey Chaucer's 'Troilus and Criseyde'. In the poem, Pandarus acts as a go-between for Troilus and Criseyde, thereby coming to symbolize someone who caters to the desires of others, often in a manipulative or dubious way. The term evolved in usage, often carrying negative connotations of exploitation or crass opportunism. By the 17th century, the verb 'to pander' had been firmly established in the English language, retaining its association with catering to base desires and serving as a reminder of the moral implications of such actions.