muck raker etymology

Etymology:

• Muck: Dirt, filth, or refuse
• Rake: A tool with teeth used to gather or clean up debris

Meaning:

A muckraker is a journalist or writer who exposes corruption, scandal, or wrongdoing, particularly in government or business.

Origin:

The term "muckraker" was first used by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906. Roosevelt used the term to criticize journalists who were investigating and exposing political corruption and scandals.

Roosevelt believed that these journalists were like people who raked up muck and filth. He felt that they were focusing on the negative aspects of society and creating an unfair or distorted picture.

However, the term "muckraker" was later embraced by many journalists who were committed to exposing wrongdoing. They saw themselves as performing a valuable service by bringing corruption and injustice to light.

Examples:

• Upton Sinclair's 1906 novel "The Jungle" exposed unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry.
• Ida Tarbell's 1904 book "The History of the Standard Oil Company" revealed the anti-competitive practices of the Standard Oil monopoly.
• Lincoln Steffens' 1903 article series "The Shame of the Cities" exposed corruption in local governments across the United States.

muck raker relate terms

• muck

  Etymology The word muck has multiple etymologies German much meaning dung Old

• mash

  Etymology and Origin The word mash has several possible origins Old English masc

• moonraker

  Etymology The word moonraker is a term dating back to the 17th century in England It

• suds

  Etymology The word suds is derived from the Middle English word sode meaning boile

• sharn

  Etymology The name Sharn is derived from the following sources Shar An ancient w

• cremation

  Etymology The word cremation comes from the Latin word crema meaning to burn set a

• roil

  Etymology Middle English roilen from Anglo Norman French roiler from Old French roil

• dung

  Etymology The word dung has Proto Germanic roots Proto Germanic dunaz Old High Ge

• shoe

  Etymology The word shoe comes from the Old English word scōh meaning footwear T

• category

  Etymology The word category derives from the Ancient Greek word kategoria meaning

• constellation

  Etymology The word constellation is derived from the Latin word constellatio which