- Today's Word
Demagogue
DEM-uh-gawg
Definition
- (noun) A leader who gains power by appealing to emotions, prejudices, or popular desires rather than reason or logic.
Example
The politician’s speeches, filled with fear-mongering and empty promises, revealed him as a demagogue.
Fun Fact
“Demagogue” comes from the Greek dēmagōgos, meaning “leader of the people.” While it once referred to positive leaders, the word now carries a negative connotation, describing figures who manipulate public emotions for personal gain. History is full of such figures, making “demagogue” a powerful term in political discourse.
(adjective) Showy but cheap and of poor quality; lacking good taste.
The room was filled with tawdry decorations that looked like they came from a discount bin.
Mid 17th century: contraction of St. Audrey’s lace, which referred to cheap lace sold at fairs in honor of St. Audrey. Over time, the lace was seen as gaudy and tasteless, and St. Audrey became tawdry.