Akademik

n.

Euphemism for potentially scandalous information uncovered while researching a political opponent. (Also, verb: To investigate a political opponent with the hope of digging up past indiscretions.)

"Over the past decade, scandal has become an integral part of everyday politics. Largely as the result of a growing political industry known as 'opposition research,' allegations of wrongdoing by an opponent are dispensed by candidates as readily as position papers."

— Sara Fritz, "Has political mudslinging been devalued by overuse?", Congressional Quarterly