[Vocabulary] scare merchants

[maiabulela]

Dear all,

What is the meaning of "scare merchants"

A cop says "I don't like scare merchants"

Does that mean "I don't like cowards"?

Thanks a lot.

 

[Munch]

No, it doesn't mean “cowards”.

“Scare merchants” are people who try to make other people scared. It can mean trying to make other people scared of one particular thing, or just scared in general.

 

[5jj]

We can also use the word scaremonger.

 

[maiabulela]

No, it doesn't mean “cowards”.

“Scare merchants” are people who try to make other people scared. It can mean trying to make other people scared of one particular thing, or just scared in general.

Then, it's a possibility that he is refering to himself?

Thanks.

 

[5jj]

Then, it's a possibility that he is referring to himself?

Highly unlikely.

Can you post the sentences/lines that preceded your line?

 

[maiabulela]

he is a cop guarding a lady. The lady wants him to do anything to rid her of the one chasing her.

 

[5jj]

he is a cop guarding a lady. The lady wants him to do anything to rid her of the one chasing her.

The he thinks that the lady is a scare merchant. He believes that the person chasing her is either not really chasing her, or is a figment of her imagination.

 

[maiabulela]

The he thinks that the lady is a scare merchant. He believes that the person chasing her is either not really chasing her, or is a figment of her imagination.

Then it means "scared people"! right?

 

[5jj]

Then it means "scared people"! right?

Not necessarily. Munch explained in post #2 what it means. Scaremongers/Scare merchants may or may not themselves be scared.