prezzolato
hired, paid off, on the take
adjective preh-tsoh-LAH-toh Rare
Origin: From prezzo (price) + -olato, suggesting being bought at a price.
Usage Note
Prezzolato describes a journalist, politician, or public figure who has been bought or is in someone's pay — roughly 'on the payroll' in a corrupt sense. It is a strongly pejorative term carrying overtones of corruption and venality. Una stampa prezzolata ('a bought press') is a common political accusation in Italy.
Examples
"Accusò il giornalista di essere prezzolato."
Natural Translation
He accused the journalist of being on the take.
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