dead cat

Etymology 1
Named for its resemblance to an actual dead cat.

Noun

 * 1)  A furry coverlet placed over a microphone to muffle the sound of wind.
 * 2) * 2019, July 2. "Film 101: What Is a Boom Operator? Understanding the Job of a Boom Operator", Masterclass.com.
 * "The mic blimp is a wind-resistant cover that goes over the boom mic to reduce environmental background noise. It's commonly referred to as a "dead cat", because it's covered in fuzzy gray hair."
 * "The mic blimp is a wind-resistant cover that goes over the boom mic to reduce environmental background noise. It's commonly referred to as a "dead cat", because it's covered in fuzzy gray hair."

Etymology 2
Introduced by former UK prime minister in 2013 (at which point he was mayor of London) in a column for .

Noun

 * 1)  A shocking or sensational announcement made in order to distract one's political base from existing problems and previous failures.

Verb

 * 1)  To announce (something) as a dead cat; to raise an issue as a political distraction.