woke mob

English

Etymology

Prominent use began after the term 'woke' became popular among conservative spheres as a pejorative, likely starting around 2021-2022.

Noun

the woke mob (uncountable)

1. (derogatory, politics) Progressives collectively, seen as a group which exhibits qualities of mob mentality in their thinking and beliefs. [since the early 2020s]
   • 2021 July 24, Kelsey Koberg, quoting Victor Davis Hanson, The woke mob is everywhere: Here's where it came from and how one critic believes it can be stopped‎^[1], Fox News:

     Outlets like the New York Times and the Washington Post are now "fused with the woke mob," he said.

   • 2023 August 17, Amanda Becker, quoting Ron DeSantis, Why DeSantis’ war on ‘woke’ isn’t winning in the GOP primary‎^[2], The 19th News Network:

     “We reject woke ideology. We fight the woke in the legislature, we fight the woke in the schools, we fight the woke in the corporations — we will never, ever surrender to the woke mob,” he said to cheers at his victory party.

Usage notes

• Used mostly unironically by conservatives, used more sarcastically or ironically by progressives and leftists.