Definition: A child who masters absurdly advanced manipulation tactics to secure scraps of affection their caregivers withhold. These mini-Machiavellis might fake illnesses, perform hyper-competence, or weaponize charm because crying, hugging, or asking directly got them ignored or punished. Their emotional survival depends on reading adult micro-expressions faster than a poker champ, swapping childhood authenticity for whatever performance earns a crumb of attention. The skill isn’t malice—it’s a heartbreaking TED Talk on neglected-kid innovation.
Example: “Little Maya was a Tiny Con Artist who’d ‘accidentally’ spill juice just so the daycare aide would clean her up, banking 30 seconds of physical contact. She once staged an elaborate coughing fit because she’d learned genuine tears made her mom leave the room faster.”