CultureJuly 10, 2026

profiteer

/ˌprɒf.ɪˈtɪər/

Definition

A person who is accused of exploiting a situation or institution for personal financial gain, especially in an unethical or opportunistic manner.

Etymology

Derived from the noun 'profit,' which comes from the Old French 'profit' and Latin 'profectus' meaning 'progress' or 'advance.' The suffix '-eer' was added in the late 19th century to denote a person engaged in a particular activity, often with a derogatory connotation.

In the news

In this article, Israeli Culture Minister Miki Zohar uses the term to label filmmakers as people who create anti-Israel content specifically to receive government funding. By doing so, he characterizes their professional work as a dishonest pursuit of public money.

Israeli Culture Minister Miki Zohar Mocks Film Industry in Campaign Spot, Vows to Defund Anti-Israel Movies

Read the full article ↗

Variety

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