hunbot

English

Etymology

hun +‎ -bot, from the affectionate use of the word "hun" (from honey) and the resemblance to a spambot.

Noun

hunbot (plural hunbots)

1. (Internet slang, derogatory) One who uses false endearments in pursuit of online sales or MLM (multi-level marketing).
   • 2020 December 18, Kaitlyn Tiffany, “The Internet Is Starting to Turn on MLMs”, in The Atlantic:

     Throughout the past year, the anti-MLM group on Reddit has been documenting what it refers to as the efforts by the “hunbots” to “infiltrate” TikTok.

   • 2019 November 29, Alley Pascoe, quoting Instagram user “jiniandtonic”, “5 Women Reveal The Moment They Realised They Were In A Pyramid Scheme”, in Marie Claire‎^[1]:

     I am so frustrated to see an MLM at the same market as women owned businesses that have built their shit up from the ground up, not with a $99 starter kit. […] #antimlm #pyramidscheme #hunbot #mlm #mlmfail

   • 2021 October 11, Paige Nicewaner, “Nicewaner: Hey, girly: Exploring the hidden world of the multi-level marketing industry”, in The Standard: Missouri State University:

     Junior non-traditional student Allie London said “hunbots” frequently take advantage of vulnerable women by convincing them to join the MLMs they work for.

Usage notes

Often applied to middle-aged women, especially those who act overly enthusiastic.

See also

• MLM
• pyramid scheme