tin-pot dictator

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See also: tinpot dictator

English[edit]

WOTD – 12 June 2024

Etymology[edit]

PIE word
*budnós

From tin-pot (“of inferior quality, shoddy; insignificant or minor, especially in an amusing and petty manner”) +‎ dictator, referring to the cheapness and poor quality of pots made from tin or tin plate.[1][2]

Pronunciation[edit]

Noun[edit]

tin-pot dictator (plural tin-pot dictators)

  1. (derogatory) An autocratic ruler with little political credibility, typically having delusions of grandeur.
    • 1995, Edward S. Herman, Triumph of the Market: Essays on Economics, Politics, and the Media, South End Press, →ISBN, page 197:
      Broder did mention in passing that the Reagan administration had earlier supported the "tin-pot dictator" and drug trader Manuel Noriega, but he never mentioned George Shultz's presence and sanctioning of the fraudulent Panamanian election of 1984, which left Noriega in charge.

Alternative forms[edit]

Derived terms[edit]

Translations[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Compare “tin-pot, n.”, in OED Online Paid subscription required⁠, Oxford, Oxfordshire: Oxford University Press, July 2023.
  2. ^ Compare “tin-pot, adj.”, in Dictionary.com Unabridged, Dictionary.com, LLC, 1995–present.

Further reading[edit]

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