Translation guide
A sock puppet is a simple hand puppet made from a sock. In Japanese, the concept is usually expressed with the loanword ソックパペット or described as a 靴下人形. The term can also refer to a fake online identity, which is expressed with the loanword ソックパペット or the term 自作自演.
The learner wants to refer to the physical toy made by putting a sock over the hand.
The most direct and widely understood term, borrowed from English. Used in contexts like children's crafts, entertainment, and education.
子供と一緒にソックパペットを作りました。
I made a sock puppet with my child.
A native Japanese compound literally meaning 'sock doll/puppet'. Less common than the loanword but easily understood.
The learner wants to refer to a deceptive online account controlled by someone pretending to be another person.
The loanword is also used in internet slang for a fake account. Common in discussions about online forums and social media.
あのアカウントはソックパペットの可能性がある。
That account might be a sock puppet.
靴下人形でお話を演じる。
Perform a story with sock puppets.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'puppet made from a sock'. Used when explaining the concept to someone unfamiliar with the term.
これは靴下で作ったパペットです。
This is a puppet made from a sock.
Literally 'self-made, self-performed', this term refers to staging a fake scenario, including using sock puppet accounts to create a false impression of support or controversy.
掲示板で自作自演をする。
Use sock puppets on a forum.
A general term for 'fake account'. Not specific to sock puppets but commonly used in the same context.
偽アカウントを使って自分を擁護する。
Defend oneself using a fake account.