Leesout

Leesout is a neologism used in online discourse to describe the act of publicly exposing information about individuals or organizations to highlight perceived wrongdoing and hold them accountable. In usage, leesout can function as a verb ('to leesout') and a noun ('a leesout').

Etymology is uncertain. The term appears to derive from a blend of English elements such as 'call out' and 'leave out' or 'leak out', reflecting its association with public exposure and examination. It has emerged in various online communities rather than from a single authoritative source.

Contexts and examples: It has appeared across social media, discussion forums, and blogs, often within debates about ethics, transparency, and accountability. Leesouts may draw on publicly available documents, testimonies, or user-generated evidence to support claims.

Criticism and controversy: Proponents argue leesouts can deter misconduct and inform the public. Critics worry about defamation, privacy, and the risk of impulsive or inaccurate revelations; platform moderation and jurisdictional law influence how leesouts are collected and shared. The practice can blur lines between accountability and harassment, leading to debates about proportionality and safeguards.

See also: Call-out culture, Doxing, Whistleblowing, Accountability journalism.