populism

American  

[pop-yuh-liz-uhm] / ˈpɒp yəˌlɪz əm /

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.

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populism British  

/ ˈpɒpjʊˌlɪzəm /

noun

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

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populism Cultural  

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.

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Other Word Forms

• anti-populism noun

Etymology

Origin of populism

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

Example Sentences

In the wake of Zohran Mamdani’s remarkable election on Nov. 4 as New York City’s next mayor — followed by democratic socialist Katie Wilson winning Seattle’s mayoralty — the moment for economic populism seems ripe.

From Salon

The economic populism he’s advancing speaks directly to the material frustrations many rural residents express – frustration with corporate consolidation, rising costs and the feeling that prosperity never reaches their communities.

From Salon

Bontenbal believes Dutch voters are looking now at a return to "what I'll call 'boring politics'. The Netherlands is done with populism".

From BBC

It’s populism in the language of a Sunday sermon, something that could appeal in a place like Texas.

From Salon

"It's really the difference between populism and popularity," she says.

From BBC