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Politicking Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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politicking

[ˈpɒlɪtɪkɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

political activity

Politicking refers to the act of engaging in political activities, often emphasizing the strategies and tactics used to gain an advantage in political situations. This may include campaigning, lobbying, and making deals to influence decisions or sway public opinion. It is often seen as a negative term, suggesting manipulative or self-serving behavior within the political arena.

Synonyms

advocating, campaigning, lobbying, maneuvering.

Examples of usage

  • The candidates have been politicking hard in the lead-up to the election.
  • She spent years politicking to gain support for her legislative agenda.
  • Amidst the scandal, his politicking became increasingly transparent.
  • Politicking in Washington often involves backroom deals and negotiations.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • In ancient Greece, politicking often involved public debate in the agora, where citizens discussed politics.
  • During the Renaissance, politicking became increasingly sophisticated as monarchies began using diplomacy.
  • The term rose to prominence in American politics in the early 20th century, reflecting the growing complexity of electoral strategies.

Psychology

  • People often engage in politicking as a social behavior to build alliances and gain trust.
  • Studies show that emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in effective politicking, helping individuals understand and influence others.
  • Cognitive dissonance can occur when individuals must align their beliefs with their politicking actions, potentially causing stress.

Pop Culture

  • Films and TV shows frequently depict politicking to illustrate the drama and manipulation involved in political campaigns.
  • Political satire programs, like 'The Daily Show,' use humor to critique the methods of politicking by prominent politicians.
  • Books such as 'House of Cards' explore the darker aspects of politicking, highlighting ambition and moral ambiguity.

Current Events

  • In contemporary politics, digital politicking has emerged with politicians using social media to connect with voters.
  • The role of fundraising has evolved, leading to increased competition among candidates to showcase their politicking skills.
  • Grassroots movements often utilize politicking techniques to mobilize support from local communities.

Origin of 'politicking'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from 'politic,' which dates back to the 15th century, meaning related to government or policy.
  • It is derived from the Latin word 'politicus,' which relates to citizens and public affairs.
  • The '-ing' suffix indicates an ongoing action, suggesting a process rather than a completed state.

The term 'politicking' is derived from the word 'politic', which originates from the Early Modern English word 'politique' and is rooted in the Latin 'politicus', meaning 'of citizens or public life'. The word has evolved over centuries, with early usage focused on the principles of governance and citizen participation in state affairs. By the 19th century, 'politicking' began to emerge as a distinct political expression, often with a connotation of maneuvering for power rather than genuine service. This shift reflects the growing complexity of political life and the tactics employed by individuals seeking to influence outcomes. The evolution of 'politicking' illustrates the tension between idealistic political engagement and the often self-serving nature of political conduct.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,524 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.