Foul Merchant
A player known for drawing fouls
Example
Did you see how many free throws he shot last night?
Yeah, he's such a foul merchant. Barely even got touched half the time!
Related Slang
| Foul bait | Acting to get a foul called |
| LeBroning | Flopping |
| Flop | An exaggerated fall |
| Bucket | A made basketball shot |
| Dropping dimes | Making difficult passes for assists in basketball |
| Handles | The ability to handle a basketball |
| Hoops | Basketball |
| NBA | National Basketball Association |
| Splash | A made shot that only touches the basketball net |
| Swish | A made shot in basketball that hits only the net |
How well do you know your texting slang?
A "foul merchant" is a basketball player who frequently draws fouls, typically by exaggerating contact or manipulating defenders into committing violations (e.g., kicking their leg out when shooting or flopping). This type of player is known for their ability to get to the free-throw line regularly, sometimes using tactics that appear more strategic or theatrical than purely athletic. People often use the term critically, suggesting the player prioritizes drawing fouls over playing straight-up basketball.
The phrase is popular among fans and commentators, especially in online discussions and social media debates about players' playing styles. It gained traction in the early 2020s as certain NBA players (*cough* Shai Gilgeous-Alexander *cough*) became known for mastering the art of foul-drawing. While being a "foul merchant" can be seen as a smart way to exploit the rules, many basketball fans believe it slows the game and is unsportsmanlike.