rent-a-gob

English

Alternative forms

• rent a gob, rentagob

Etymology

From rent +‎ a +‎ gob (“mouth”, slang), alluding to someone who will say anything in exchange for money.

Noun

rent-a-gob (plural rent-a-gobs)

1. (UK, derogatory) Someone who regularly appears in the media, especially to stir controversy or self-aggrandize.

   Synonym: rent-a-mouth

   • 2008, John Stoneman, The Road from Wembley, Troubador Publishing Ltd, →ISBN, page 153:

     There would either be an obvious candidate for the splash story or you would be desperately scrambling the phones, suggesting interviews with the local rent-a-gobs on the council who you knew would say something controversial, if lacking in substance.

   • 2010, Chris Bryant MP, quoted by Aeron Davis, Political Communication and Social Theory, Routledge →ISBN, page 92

     You don't want to be seen too much as a media tart, and as a rent-a-gob, because you just alienate all your colleagues.

   • 2014, Sedge Beswick, 140 Ultimate Twitter LOLs, Lulu.com, →ISBN, page 94:

     Katie Hopkins found fame on reality TV show The Apprentice. But unlike most former reality stars, who fade into obscurity after their 15 minutes in the spotlight, she's gone on to carve herself a successful career as an infamous rent-a-gob.