CLOUT CHASING

/klout chey-sing/

Verb

The act of seeking attention, a higher social standing, or fame by adopting popular trends on social media or befriending a well-known person (e.g. influencer, celebrity)

WHAT IS “CLOUT CHASING”

ORIGIN

According to Dictionary.com, clout chasing refers to the act of pursuing fame in a desperate manner. 

The word “clout” is a slang for the word “fame.” In the context of clout chasing, “clout” is synonymous with power or influence. 

A person who chases clout is referred to as a clout chaser. A clout chaser “leverages their proximity to famous people or do things considered foolish, degrading, or dangerous” with the intent of being popular or having a higher social status. Instead of gaining an organic audience, a clout chaser merely rides on the coattails of someone popular.

Thus, a clout chaser simply refers to a person who is chasing fame. In most cases, clout chasers want to become social media influencers, hence they engage in desperate or embarrassing attempts to become famous (e.g. hopping on various dance trends on TikTok).

The term clout chaser seems to have emerged on social media around 2012, according to Dictionary.com. Since then, the term has had a negative connotation to refer to people who wanted to be famous or popular.

See Also

Landslide poll win for rapper’s party

EXAMPLES

“Come with me to that new cafe I saw on Instagram. Let’s go clout chasing.”

Person A: “Have you seen my new TikTok post? Please like and share it.”

Person B: “You’re such a clout chaser.”