0

For an invite-only website I'm hosting, I'm currently looking for a good word for the person who vouches for the new user. The inviting user is really taking some responsibility for the new user, i.e. that they are a good match for the community etc. If the new one behaves badly, both can be kicked out again.

Think about an exclusive club where not everyone can or should be invited, but only people who are a good match. Somebody who invites somebody new, and guarantees that the match is a good one, is the person for who I'm looking a word for.

English is not my native language, but I'm pretty sure that "voucher" is not what one should use here.

So far we came up with "sponsor" or "bailer" as being the best words - or using the term "vouching user".

What would be best in such a case?

Improve this question
6
  • 3
    I agree with "sponsor".
    – GEdgar
    Jan 8, 2020 at 14:01
  • "Sponser", or the more nebulous "reference".
    – Hot Licks
    Jan 8, 2020 at 14:36
  • Sponsor sounds all right. What would be about "bailer"? Is that a known word?
    – Rüdiger Schulz
    Jan 8, 2020 at 15:00
  • "Bailer" isn't an english word in the sense of "to stand bail for a prisoner". What is the German (I assume) word that you would use? Of the options, "Sponsor" is the best choice for someone who introduces another member to a club, "Guarantor" if they're responsible for the person's actions.
    – KrisW
    Jan 8, 2020 at 15:37
  • 1
    deepl.com/translator#de/en/B%C3%BCrge = Guarantor. Even though I proposed "Guarantor" as an answer, I do think Sponsor is probably better in your context, but nobody seems to want to propose that as an answer... :/
    – KrisW
    Jan 9, 2020 at 11:00

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
1

As an alternative to "a sponsor" as suggested by a commenter, which I do think is the best word for this situation, try

Guarantor

A guarantor is a person who guarantees something. In this case, they guarantee that the new person will behave in accordance with the rules of the club.

This word is most often seen in financial contexts to desribe someone who agrees to repay a loan if the original borrower defaults, but the general meaning is simply someone who will guarantee that a contract or promise is fulfilled.

Improve this answer
0

Since you mention that it is for a website, it is customary of most websites to use the simple word testimonials, under which, would be affirmations by users vouching for the authenticity of the website.

But since it is a word for a person you ask, I'd go with attestant, which essentially means:

someone who affirms or vouches for the correctness or truth or genuineness of something

Improve this answer
5
  • The vouching person is not meant to be saying anything about the website, but is inviting a new user and vouching for that new user's character.
    – Rüdiger Schulz
    Jan 8, 2020 at 14:25
  • @RüdigerSchulz You mean a mediator?
    – Noaman Ali
    Jan 8, 2020 at 14:29
  • I think that is not really hitting it. Think more about an exclusive club where not everyone can or should be invited, but only people who are a good match. Somebody who invites somebody new, and guarantees that the match is a good one, is the person for who I'm looking a word for.
    – Rüdiger Schulz
    Jan 8, 2020 at 14:59
  • @RüdigerSchulz If you'd provided this example in the question, it'd have given a clearer idea. The question asked is far different from this explanation.
    – Noaman Ali
    Jan 8, 2020 at 16:15
  • I'm sorry if that was not onbvious enough. I added the example to the question.
    – Rüdiger Schulz
    Jan 8, 2020 at 16:55

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.