"Selling out" refers to the perception that someone is compromising their integrity, morality, or principles in exchange for money or "success" (however defined). It is commonly associated with attempts to tailor material to a mainstream audience. Any artist who expands their creative path to encompass a wider audience, as opposed to continuing in the genre and venues of their initial success, may be disdainfully labeled by disapproving fans as a sellout. Selling out is often seen as gaining success at the cost of credibility.

Contents

• 1 In politics
• 2 Sellout examples in entertainment
  • 2.1 Music
  • 2.2 Movies
  • 2.3 Comedy
  • 2.4 Video games
• 3 Criticism of the term
• 4 See also
• 5 References
• 6 External links

Verb

sell out (phrasal verb)

1. To sell all of a product that is in stock.

   They sold out of concert posters yesterday and won't get another shipment until next week.

2. (idiomatic) To abandon one's supporters or principles to seek profit or other personal advantage.

   It used to be a pleasant little community, until the leaders sold out to the developers.

• sold-out