Ad captandum vulgus

“Ad captandum vulgus” is a Latin phrase that means “to capture the crowd” or “to win over the masses” in English. It refers to using actions or statements that appeal to popular emotions, opinions, or prejudices instead of rational arguments. The goal is often to gain the support or approval of the general public, even if the methods employed are not based on sound reasoning or facts.

This phrase is often used to describe tactics that may be sensational, emotionally charged, or manipulative in nature. It implies a focus on what will resonate with the public rather than what is objectively true or logical. It’s important to keep in mind that the phrase may be used in a neutral or negative sense, depending on the context and the ethical implications of the methods used to captivate or sway public opinion.