时常在网络论坛里转悠的人估计注册帐号都不会少于两个，而且每个帐号的语言特点和发言风格可能都大不相同。有的褒奖，有的批判，还有的搅浑水。大家管这些不同的虚拟身份叫做“马甲”，换个“马甲”就等于换了个身份。英文里则管它叫sockpuppet。

A sockpuppet is an online identity used for purposes of deception within an online community. It is a fake identity through which a member of an Internet community discusses or comments on oneself or one's work, pretending to be a different person, like a puppeteer manipulating a hand puppet.

“马甲”（sockpuppet）是网络社区中为了隐藏身份而注册的ID。论坛或社区用户通过“马甲”假装成另外一个人参与自己作品的讨论或者评论，就像手偶演员操纵手偶表演一样。

"Sockpuppeting" is defined as the act of creating a fake online identity to praise, defend or create the illusion of support for one’s self, allies or company.

“马甲行为”被定义为炮制一个虚假的网络身份为自己或者盟友制造一种在网络社区中受到褒奖、保护或支持的假象。