Etymology: From henchman + puppet, reflecting a subordinate agent deployed to execute the will of a superior while concealing autonomy.
Definition: A pseudonymous online persona, operated singly or by multiple individuals, used by an organization or collective to harass, intimidate, or manipulate a target. Unlike ordinary sockpuppets, HenchPuppets function as digital proxies of an organization, executing strategic harm while maintaining plausible deniability for the sponsoring entity.
Characteristics:
Intentional harm: Primary function is targeted harassment, defamation, or psychological manipulation.
Organizational coordination: May be multi-author or systematically guided by a central entity.
Plausible deniability: Designed to conceal the identity of the true orchestrators.
Weaponized messaging: Posts, replies, and content are strategically timed and emotionally manipulative, often reflecting propaganda techniques.
Definition: A pseudonymous online persona, operated singly or by multiple individuals, used by an organization or collective to harass, intimidate, or manipulate a target. Unlike ordinary sockpuppets, HenchPuppets function as digital proxies of an organization, executing strategic harm while maintaining plausible deniability for the sponsoring entity.
Characteristics:
Intentional harm: Primary function is targeted harassment, defamation, or psychological manipulation.
Organizational coordination: May be multi-author or systematically guided by a central entity.
Plausible deniability: Designed to conceal the identity of the true orchestrators.
Weaponized messaging: Posts, replies, and content are strategically timed and emotionally manipulative, often reflecting propaganda techniques.
"The whistleblower discovered that many hostile comments on their forum were generated by HenchPuppets—accounts tracing back to the cult's PR division."
by APedant August 31, 2025
Get the HenchPuppetmug.