The term "teabagger" emerged after a protester displayed a placard using the words "tea bag" as a verb.[281][282] The label has prompted additional puns by commentators, the protesters themselves, and comedians based on the sexual meaning of the term. It is routinely used as a derogatory term to refer to conservative protestors.[283]
The term has also entered into the political debate; supposed or actual supporters of the tea-party movement have been referred to as "tea-baggers" by politicians such as Senators John F. Kerry[284] and Chuck Schumer[285] as well as by President Obama.[286]
