Carpetbagged Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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carpetbagged
[ˈkɑːrpɪtbæɡd ]
Definition
political context
To carpetbag is to seek election in a constituency where one has no local connections or to intrude into an area without having been a resident. This term originated in the post-Civil War era in the United States, when individuals from the North moved to the South to take advantage of the political and economic opportunities available during Reconstruction.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The politician was accused of carpetbagging to win votes.
- Many saw his campaign as a clear case of carpetbagging.
- Historically, carpetbaggers were often viewed with suspicion.
Translations
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Origin of 'carpetbagged'
The term 'carpetbagger' emerged in the United States during the Reconstruction era following the Civil War. It originally referred to Northern Republicans who moved to the South to gain political power and economic advantage. These individuals often carried their belongings in bags made of carpet fabric, a symbol of their opportunistic nature and lack of local ties. The term carried a derogatory connotation, implying that these newcomers were exploiting the South's vulnerability after the war. Over time, the term has evolved and is now often used to describe any outsider who seeks to influence or take advantage of a local situation without genuine ties or commitment.