claque
Paid audience cheerleaders
A claque is a group of people hired to applaud a performer or speaker.
The practice originated in French theaters, where managers would seed audiences with paid enthusiasts.
By extension, claque describes any group of fawning supporters or sycophants: The candidate surrounded himself with a claque of yes-men.
Exclusive social circle
- cliqueExclusive social group
- factionGroup within group
- cabalScheming political faction
- cadreCore of trained personnel
circle · in-group · ring · crew · gang · syndicate · confederacy · alliance
Disguised sponsored advocacy
- shillingFormer British monetary unit
- brigadingOrganized mass harassment
- propagandaBiased information for influence
- lobbyingAdvocating to decision-makers
spin · scheming · orchestration · stagecraft · deception
coterie
Exclusive social circle
cadre · circle · in-group · ring · crew · gang · syndicate · confederacy · alliance · coalition
astroturfing
Disguised sponsored advocacy
- shillingFormer British monetary unit
- brigadingOrganized mass harassment
- propagandaBiased information for influence
lobbying · spin · scheming · orchestration · stagecraft · deception
claquehecklers
Disruptive audience shouters
detractors · critics · protesters · naysayers · opposition