populism

[ pop-yuh-liz-uhm ]

noun

1. any of various, often antiestablishment or anti-intellectual political movements or philosophies that offer unorthodox solutions or policies and appeal to the common person rather than according with traditional party or partisan ideologies.
2. grass-roots democracy; working-class activism; egalitarianism.
3. representation or extolling of the common person, the working class, the underdog, etc.:

   populism in the arts.

4. (initial capital letter) the political philosophy of the People's party.

populism

/ ˈpɒpjʊˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. a political strategy based on a calculated appeal to the interests or prejudices of ordinary people

populism

1. The belief that greater popular participation in government and business is necessary to protect individuals from exploitation by inflexible bureaucracy and financial conglomerates . “Power to the people” is a famous populist slogan.

Other Words From

• anti-popu·lism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of populism¹

An Americanism first recorded in 1890–95; from Latin popul(us) “people” ( people, popular ) + -ism

Example Sentences

Today’s Democratic Party, the mainstream news media and other defenders of political “normalcy” have few answers for the cultural force and energy of Trump's brand of right-wing populism.

From Salon

Former President Trump’s performative faux populism, paid for an oligarch like Elon Musk, spoke to enough of this cohort that the Democrats' rust belt strategy collapsed with some union households going red and millions who opted to stay home.

From Salon

His proximity to the Harris campaign—he even spoke at the DNC for some reason—had D.C. progressives worried, as news reports continued to trickle out about West’s moves to ally the Harris agenda with Wall Street and Silicon Valley and disavow the populism of Joe Biden.

From Slate

The letter accused the first minister of "populism" and said Sinn Féin had "turned political somersaults into an Olympic sport".

From BBC

Trump’s economic populism and promises to “make America great again” have deeply resonated with some Latinos who turned sharply right on Tuesday amid concerns over inflation, the border and safety.

From Los Angeles Times