What does politicking mean?
Politicking refers to the act of engaging in politics, often in a way that is considered insincere or manipulative. This term is used to describe the tactics and strategies used by politicians, organizations, or individuals to achieve their goals, often through cunning or deceitful means. Politicking can involve making promises that are not intended to be kept, using propaganda or misinformation, or forming alliances with other groups to further one's own interests. The term is often used pejoratively, implying that someone is more interested in advancing their own career or interests than in serving the public good. Understanding politicking is important for citizens, as it can help them make informed decisions about the politicians and policies they support.
nounPoliticking refers to the act of engaging in politics, especially in a way that is considered to be insincere or manipulative. It involves using various tactics and strategies to achieve political goals.
- The act of engaging in politics
- The practice of using insincere or manipulative tactics in politics
"The senator was accused of politicking during the election campaign, making promises he had no intention of keeping."
"The new mayor was criticized for her politicking style, which was seen as overly aggressive."
"The company's politicking efforts to influence the regulatory agency were exposed in the media."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of politicking
The term 'politicking' has its roots in the late 17th century, derived from the word 'politic', which comes from the French 'politique', and ultimately from the Greek 'politikē', meaning 'civil administration'. The verb 'to politic' originally meant 'to engage in politics', but over time, the term 'politicking' emerged to describe the act of engaging in politics in a way that is considered cunning or manipulative.
Usage notes
This term often carries a negative connotation, implying that someone is being insincere or manipulative in their political actions. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.