Clout

Clout (noun / UK & internet slang)

(Also heard as: Chasing clout, Clout chaser, Doing it for clout)

Definition: Influence, social pull, reputation, or internet fame. Most often tossed around to call out someone acting like a clown just to get likes, retweets, or attention.

Pronunciation: /klaʊt/

Where It Comes From: Started out centuries ago in old English meaning a heavy blow or smack round the chops. Mid-century American politicians then turned it into having serious political pull behind closed doors. Fast-forward to US rap, Twitch streamers, and TikTok, and British kids picked it up as standard slang for social media popularity.

How People Actually Use It: Almost always as an insult. You throw “clout chaser” at anyone pulling fake stunts in public, starting bogus drama on Twitter, or latching onto famous people just to look important on their Instagram story. If someone embarrasses themselves online for a scrap of validation, they’re doing it for clout.

Examples in the Wild:

• “He only picked a fight in the comments for clout.”

  Translation: He started an argument purely to get people looking at his profile.

• “Don’t bring her along, she’s a proper clout chaser.”

  Translation: She only hangs out with people to look popular on her socials.

• “He got kicked out of the shop trying to film a prank for clout.”

  Translation: He acted like an idiot in public just to go viral on TikTok.

Similar Slang: Hype, Pull, Clout chaser, Fame-hungry, Status, Beg