wumao

From the Hanyu Pinyin romanization of the Mandarin pronunciation of Chinese 五毛 (wǔmáo), a clipping of 五毛黨 / 五毛党 (wǔmáodǎng, literally “the 5 dime party”), in reference to allegations that the Chinese government employs online shills paid 1/2 yuan RMB per online post.

• IPA^(key): /ˈwuː.maʊ/, /ˈuː.maʊ/

wumao (plural wumao or wumaos)

1. An alleged Internet user who is paid by the authorities of the People's Republic of China to spread propaganda and disinformation on their behalf.
2. (derogatory) Anyone who is supportive of China or the Communist Party of China, whether paid or not.

• 50 cent army (plural)

• shill, supporter, keyboard warrior