Tool (insult)

The word "tool" may be used as an insult, describing someone who is being used by an establishment willingly (as a sycophant), or unwillingly (as one who blindly conforms).The term most commonly describes someone who is being manipulated by large corporations or governments. In this context, the term is thought to be a shortening of the phrase "tool of the system". The insult is used in Western counter-culture to describe strong proponents of those institutions, who seem to truly believe in what is thought of as a mass deception. Tool may also be used to refer to members of the counterculture who conform to a prefabricated concept of rebellious behavior (ex. tattoos, intentionally ripped clothing, long hair and earrings on males). In this sense, tool refers to a person who mindlessly buys into pop culture or subcultural trends (ex. Abercrombie & Fitch, poseur).
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