rabble-rouser
noun

- a person who stirs up the passions or prejudices of the public, usually for his or her own interests

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ORIGIN

The word “rabble” first appeared in the 14th century and referred to a pack of animals. By the 16th century it was being used to describe a mob of usually loud and unruly people.

The exact origin is unclear, but it may stem from the Middle English “rablen,” meaning to speak in a rapid, confused manner, which in turn is probably imitative of noise and confusion (the Middle Dutch rabbelen and Low German rabbeln both referred to loud chatter).

A “rouser” is  a person who wakes up others who are asleep. Rouse is a 15th century word that is thought to derive from the way hawks shake out their feathers when agitated,… such as when people have to shake the cobwebs out of their head after waking up in the morning.

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SYNONYMS

(political) agitator, dissident, firebrand, fomenter, hothead, inciter, inflamer, instigator, provoker, (agent) provocateur, mischief-maker, revolutionist, tub-thumper, wave-maker

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PRACTICE OWAD in an English conversation, discuss something like:

“Social media has provided unprecedented opportunities for RABBLE-ROUSERS.”

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