AstroTurf

AstroTurf is a brand of artificial turf, but the term has become a genericized trademark, often used to refer to any type of synthetic grass. It is typically made from synthetic fibers designed to resemble natural grass. AstroTurf and similar products are commonly used in sports arenas, particularly for football and baseball fields, and also in residential and commercial landscaping applications.

Beyond its literal meaning referring to artificial grass, "AstroTurf" also carries a figurative meaning in political and social contexts. In this sense, "AstroTurfing" describes a practice in which organizations or individuals attempt to create the illusion of widespread grassroots support for a particular product, policy, or idea. This fabricated support is often achieved through deceptive tactics, such as creating fake online accounts, paying people to post positive reviews or comments, or forming seemingly independent advocacy groups that are actually funded and controlled by a vested interest. The goal of AstroTurfing is to influence public opinion and decision-making processes by making it appear that there is significant organic demand or support for something when, in reality, that support is artificially generated. The term implies that the supposed "grassroots" movement is as fake as the artificial grass of the original product.