quango

[ kwang-goh ]

noun

, plural quan·gos.

1. (especially in the United Kingdom) a semipublic advisory and administrative body supported by the government and having most of its members appointed by the government.

quango

/ ˈkwæŋɡəʊ /

noun

1. a semipublic government-financed administrative body whose members are appointed by the government

Word History and Origins

Origin of quango¹

First recorded in 1975–80; qu(asi)-a(utonomous) n(on-)g(overnmental) o(rganization) or qu(asi)-a(utonomous) n(ational) g(overnmental) o(rganization)

Word History and Origins

Origin of quango¹

C20: qu ( asi- ) a ( utonomous ) n ( on ) g ( overnmental ) o ( rganization )

Example Sentences

In Northstowe, the housing quango Homes England is partnering with the private sector.

From BBC

Chris Stark has plenty more to say on climate protests, "faceless quangos", and what he reckons is at risk.

From BBC

She said: "We need a sufficient number of MPs who understand what the problem is, and are prepared to vote to abolish the quangos."

From BBC

It was, rather, about attacking the quangos and bureaucrats who "share the same sort of leftist groupthink" and are "sneering about ordinary people's beliefs".

From BBC

The publicly-owned quango said it was committed to "deliver the right solutions in the most sustainable way" for the Firth of Forth.

From BBC

Related Words

• panel