Political Dictionary

An essential guide to the language of power

Word of the Day Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Greenwashing

“Greenwashing” is an attempt by a company to create the impression that a consumer product has benefits to the environment, even when it does not or may even be harmful to the environment.

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Word Games

Real or Snollygoster?

Checkers Speech
  1. AThe “Checkers speech” was a televised address given by…
  2. BA televised address given by Richard Nixon in 1952 in which he…
  3. CA term for any political speech in which a candidate deflects…

Three definitions, one real. Spot the snollygosters.

Define It

“” is a political tactic of joining an organization with which you do not agree with the intention of changing it…

Five definitions, the term blanked out. Name all five.

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Bird-Dogging

“Bird-dogging” is a term that originates from hunting, where a bird dog is trained to sniff out and point towards game birds, but in politics it takes on a unique…

Third-Rate Burglary

“Third-rate burglary” is a phrase which President Richard Nixon’s press secretary used to describe the Watergate break-in.

Grand Design

A “grand design” refers to any kind of deliberate plan of action. In politics, the term is usually used to mean an overarching strategy or a long-term plan.

I Am the Law

“I am the law” is a phrase attributed to Frank Hague, the mayor of Jersey City from 1917 until he retired in 1947.

Hatchet Man

A “hatchet man” is an operative in charge of doing political dirty work — or dirty tricks — both during a campaign and sometimes as part of normal government functions.

On the Fence

To be “on the fence” is to be hesitant about taking a political stance.

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