do-gooder
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do-gooder
A derogatory term for a person whose moral or social engagement is perceived as naive, excessive, or self-righteous. The term implies that the good intentions are unrealistic or merely put on for show.
Er wird von seinen Kritikern oft als Gutmensch beschimpft, weil er sich für Flüchtlinge einsetzt.
His critics often insult him as a do-gooder because he advocates for refugees.
The word is made up of 'gut' (good) and 'Mensch' (person/human being). Unlike what the literal meaning might suggest, it is not a positive term, but almost always a derogatory criticism.
Nenn mich nicht Gutmensch, nur weil ich eine andere Meinung habe.
Don't call me a do-gooder just because I have a different opinion.
'Gutmensch' (do-gooder) is a politically charged term and is used as an insult. It is meant to imply that a person's moral actions are naive, unrealistic, or merely put on for show.
In der hitzigen Debatte fielen oft Begriffe wie „Gutmensch“.
In the heated debate, terms like 'Gutmensch' came up often.
The word is often used in the construction 'jemanden als Gutmenschen bezeichnen' (to call someone a do-gooder) or 'jemanden als Gutmenschen beschimpfen' (to insult someone as a do-gooder).
Er wurde in den sozialen Medien als Gutmensch beschimpft.
He was insulted as a do-gooder on social media.
hypocrite
'Gutmensch' and 'Heuchler' are both negative words for people, connected with morality and good behavior. 'Gutmensch' says in a derogatory way that someone seems naive, excessive, or self-righteous in their good intentions. 'Heuchler' is more focused on the contradiction: someone talks morally but does not act that way. The words can be confused because both express criticism of supposedly good behavior. The difference is: with 'Gutmensch', you criticize the way someone wants to be good; with 'Heuchler', you criticize the dishonesty.
In der Diskussion wurde Elif als Gutmensch beschimpft, weil sie Geflüchteten helfen wollte.
In the discussion, Elif was insulted as a do-gooder because she wanted to help refugees.
Der Lehrer wirkte wie ein Heuchler, weil er Fairness verlangte, aber selbst unfair handelte.
The teacher seemed like a hypocrite because he demanded fairness but acted unfairly himself.