The word panderer comes from the Latin verb pandere which means to “to allure, flatter, or yield to another’s desires.” A panderer is someone who uses flattery or other tactics to gain favor with someone or in a situation, often for their own gain. It is a term often used in a legal context to describe someone who uses active persuasion in an effort to convince another person to do something for their own benefit.
In today’s world, pandering has become more widely recognized and can present itself in many ways. In business, panderers often use persuasive techniques such as flattery or positive reinforcement to convince business professionals to take a course of action they might not otherwise have. This can take the form of displaying desirable characteristics that a person does not possess or otherwise manipulating the dynamics of the situation to make themselves desirable.
In politics, pandering is a similar concept. Politicians may be use flattery or exaggeration to attract votes. This can take the form of overpromising policies, offering excessive concessions, or making unsubstantiated promises. In both cases, the individual or group attempting to influence another person’s behavior may gain something for themselves, but the result is often short-term gain that has little lasting effect or benefit.
Ultimately, the term panderer is a warning sign that someone is taking advantage of another without actually providing any benefit. Whether in business or politics, panderers serve only to exploit the goodwill of others without providing any real rewards.