Sandbagging

Sandbagging is a term used to describe the efforts of an organization or an individual to avoid answering questions asked by reporters or key publics. Sometimes the response is as simple as “No comment.” At the extreme, the response is couched in more complex terms, such as “We are establishing a commission to investigate. When we have found the facts, we will report them.”

The term has military roots. For example, in the late 19th century it meant “to strike unexpectedly; to take by surprise.” In the early 20th century, it meant “to intimidate, coerce, bully as by threats.” This slang term further shows up as a verb in cooperation with “ghosting” and “goldbricking” when referenced as a Vietnam War slang term to mean “hiding out in the rear as if not seen.”

This slang term also appears as part of mainstream gambling terminology—“to downplay or misrepresent one's ability in a game or activity in order to deceive (someone), especially in gambling.” Further, various online dictionaries describe this term (verb) as follows: “to treat harshly or unfairly; to misinform, mislead—to give false or misleading information” and “to conceal or misrepresent one's true position, potential, or intent, especially in order to take advantage of.” A person who carries out such behaviors is a “sandbagger” (noun). This term appears to also be framed as a propaganda technique when used in a political context.