Legal Definitions - monger

The term "monger" is an older word that refers to a person who sells or deals in a particular commodity or activity. While it is rarely used as a standalone word in contemporary English, it frequently appears as part of compound words. In these compounds, "monger" describes someone who promotes, deals in, or profits from a specific thing, often carrying a negative or intense connotation.

• Warmonger

  A "warmonger" is an individual who actively encourages, advocates for, or profits from war. In this context, "monger" signifies someone who "deals in" or "sells" the idea or practice of war, rather than physical goods. For instance, a politician who consistently pushes for military intervention and dismisses diplomatic solutions, seemingly benefiting from conflict, could be labeled a warmonger by their critics.

• Scandalmonger

  A "scandalmonger" is a person who spreads scandalous rumors or gossip, often for personal gain, attention, or amusement. Here, "monger" refers to someone who "deals in" or "sells" information, specifically sensational or damaging stories. Imagine a tabloid journalist who fabricates or exaggerates stories about celebrities' personal lives, solely to increase newspaper sales; they would be acting as a scandalmonger.

• Fishmonger

  A "fishmonger" is a traditional term for a person who sells fish. This example directly illustrates the original and more literal meaning of "monger" as a seller of a specific type of goods. For example, a vendor at a local market who specializes in selling fresh seafood, cleaning and preparing it for customers, is a fishmonger.