The expression "pander to" is pronounced as /ˈpændər tu/. It means to give in to someone's desires or to act in the interest of someone, often in a negative connotation, like flattery or bribery. The spelling of 'pander' itself, comes from the Old French word 'pandere' which means 'to offer' or 'to display.' The word first appeared in English in the 16th century and has been used frequently in literature and media since then.
To "pander to" is an idiomatic expression referring to the act of catering or capitulating to someone's desires, often through excessive flattery or indulgence, in order to gain their favor or satisfy their wishes, usually without considering the moral or ethical implications. It involves behaving in a manner that manipulates or exploits someone's weaknesses or prejudices to achieve personal gain or advantage.
The term "pander to" typically implies a lack of integrity or genuineness, as it involves compromising one's principles and values to appeal to someone else's preferences or prejudices. It suggests a willingness to stoop to the level of the person being catered to, disregarding higher ideals or ethical considerations.
When someone panders to others, they may present a distorted or exaggerated version of themselves, their beliefs, or their message, with the goal of pleasing and appeasing the targeted individual or group. This often involves adopting a superficial or dishonest approach in order to manipulate or gain control over others.
"Pander to" is commonly used in various contexts like politics, media, and entertainment, where individuals or institutions may engage in pandering behavior to manipulate public opinion or win support. It can also be observed in personal relationships, where individuals may pander to their partners or friends to ensure their approval or maintain their connection.
Overall, "pander to" conveys the negative connotation of compromising principles or values for personal gain, often through deceit or manipulation, rather than based on genuine connection or shared beliefs.
The word "pander to" originated from the noun "pander", which can be traced back to the Middle English word "pandere". In turn, "pandere" is derived from the Latin word "pandarus", a character in Geoffrey Chaucer's epic poem, "Troilus and Criseyde".
In the poem, "pandarus" represents a go-between or a mediator who facilitates the illicit relationship between Troilus and Criseyde. Over time, the term "pandering" or "pander" began to be associated with the act of indulging or gratifying someone's base desires, often in a morally compromising manner. This connotation led to the expression "pander to", which means to cater to someone's vices or unworthy desires.