sucker list

noun

, Informal.

1. a list of names and addresses of persons considered by a business, charity organization, etc., to be likely purchasers or donors.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sucker list¹

An Americanism dating back to 1945–50

Idioms and Phrases

A list of names of likely prospects for making purchases or donations, as in Some charities raise money by selling their sucker lists to other organizations . This term uses sucker in the sense of “dupe,” a usage that in turn alludes to the naiveté of a baby suckling at its mother's breast. [ Colloquial ; 1940s]

Example Sentences

Answering the phone when scam artists call can put you on a “sucker list” that will prompt more calls.

From Washington Times

The movie was called “Sucker List.”

From Washington Post

This was called lead generation, and it professionalized the sucker list.

From Washington Post

The movie was called “Sucker List.”

From Seattle Times

This was called lead generation, and it professionalized the sucker list.

From Seattle Times