Human beings are an embodiment of virtue, evil and the prejudices that they exhibit in given situations. It is probably because of the prejudices that they entertain that we come across ethnic, racial, social and political slurs that people hurl at each other. While all other slurs are offensive and demeaning, political slurs, which are insults against the political opponents with reference to the nature of politics that they pursue, are accepted as a normal part of politics.
These slurs, apart from their deriding aspects, are sometimes the true reflection of the conduct of politicians in general and sometimes a particular politician. They also have an element of humour and entertainment. This discourse pertains to some of the political slurs that have been commonly used in the US and Britain and have become part of the political dictionary worldwide. They can conveniently be applied to politicians all over the world and hence the rationale for sharing them with the readers.
A word that has been frequently used in America as a political slur is ‘Squish’. It is a term used by Republican conservatives to denigrate the perceived lack of backbone possessed by the Republican moderates. This word surfaced during the time of Ronald Reagan. Squish has also been used more broadly, to describe any liberal or conservative who avoids taking firm stands or doesn’t stand for anything—a politician who will sell out, who lacks conviction, who cares more about popularity than principles.
‘Flap-doodler’ is also a commonly used slur for a politician, a speaker of portentous but empty words best described as a demagogue. The term ‘Flip-Flopper’ is used for a politician who is habitual of changing his or her opinion or taking a position on a particular issue. ‘Pollywog’ denotes a politician who is considered untrustworthy because of his ever-shifting position on the issues at hand and whose track record corroborates the epithet. Another political slur that is often used to denigrate a politician is ‘Rent-a-Quote’. It is someone who might be relied upon by the media to provide a comment, especially one expressing a strong or contentious opinion either under given circumstances or when an issue is being discussed. ‘Snollygoster’ is used to describe a politician who is unprincipled and engages in politics of self-aggrandisement rather than serving the national interests. Another epithet given to a politician who discusses and debates issues but fails to act is ‘Tire-kicker’.
A cursory glance at our political history would reveal that the foregoing political slurs can safely be bestowed upon our politicians who have recklessly indulged in politics of self-aggrandisement; lacked the heft and spine to stand up to the anti-democratic forces; have been even conniving with anti-democratic forces to destabilise democracy and democratic institutions for their personal gains; have been changing their political loyalties to swell their fortunes, have been selling their souls to remain the corridors of power. The end result of it is that the country has suffered enormously due to their shenanigans and most of the challenges confronting the country in one way or the other are linked to the misdeeds of the politicians. They have failed to learn from the set-backs that the country has suffered. They never tire of proclaiming their political credentials but continue to rally forces to destabilise the elected government of an opponent party and strengthen the hands of the forces inimical to democracy.
It is because of the dirty politics that the country finds itself at the cross-roads even after well over seven decades since its independence. We have not been able to find a real leader who could pull the country out of this un-ending ordeal. People have been duped in the name of religion and revolution. A self-proclaimed revolutionary now ruling the country has also disappointed the people. His transition from a revolutionary to a traditional politician, more ready to compromise for power, is even more painful.
These slurs, apart from their deriding aspects, are sometimes the true reflection of the conduct of politicians in general and sometimes a particular politician. They also have an element of humour and entertainment. This discourse pertains to some of the political slurs that have been commonly used in the US and Britain and have become part of the political dictionary worldwide. They can conveniently be applied to politicians all over the world and hence the rationale for sharing them with the readers.
A word that has been frequently used in America as a political slur is ‘Squish’. It is a term used by Republican conservatives to denigrate the perceived lack of backbone possessed by the Republican moderates. This word surfaced during the time of Ronald Reagan. Squish has also been used more broadly, to describe any liberal or conservative who avoids taking firm stands or doesn’t stand for anything—a politician who will sell out, who lacks conviction, who cares more about popularity than principles.
‘Flap-doodler’ is also a commonly used slur for a politician, a speaker of portentous but empty words best described as a demagogue. The term ‘Flip-Flopper’ is used for a politician who is habitual of changing his or her opinion or taking a position on a particular issue. ‘Pollywog’ denotes a politician who is considered untrustworthy because of his ever-shifting position on the issues at hand and whose track record corroborates the epithet. Another political slur that is often used to denigrate a politician is ‘Rent-a-Quote’. It is someone who might be relied upon by the media to provide a comment, especially one expressing a strong or contentious opinion either under given circumstances or when an issue is being discussed. ‘Snollygoster’ is used to describe a politician who is unprincipled and engages in politics of self-aggrandisement rather than serving the national interests. Another epithet given to a politician who discusses and debates issues but fails to act is ‘Tire-kicker’.
A cursory glance at our political history would reveal that the foregoing political slurs can safely be bestowed upon our politicians who have recklessly indulged in politics of self-aggrandisement; lacked the heft and spine to stand up to the anti-democratic forces; have been even conniving with anti-democratic forces to destabilise democracy and democratic institutions for their personal gains; have been changing their political loyalties to swell their fortunes, have been selling their souls to remain the corridors of power. The end result of it is that the country has suffered enormously due to their shenanigans and most of the challenges confronting the country in one way or the other are linked to the misdeeds of the politicians. They have failed to learn from the set-backs that the country has suffered. They never tire of proclaiming their political credentials but continue to rally forces to destabilise the elected government of an opponent party and strengthen the hands of the forces inimical to democracy.
It is because of the dirty politics that the country finds itself at the cross-roads even after well over seven decades since its independence. We have not been able to find a real leader who could pull the country out of this un-ending ordeal. People have been duped in the name of religion and revolution. A self-proclaimed revolutionary now ruling the country has also disappointed the people. His transition from a revolutionary to a traditional politician, more ready to compromise for power, is even more painful.
