Politics (non political)

[Liar]

That's right, this is a sematic thread. I'm even asking for a writing reason.

What does the word "politics" mean?

And where does it stand in relation to stuff like position, policy, populism, partisanship, campaigning and so on?

Because the way I've heard it used lately, it means "all kinds of populist stunts you can use to get elected". How, for instance, McCains choice of Palin as his running mate was a "political" choice. Or how both sides accused each other of "injecting politics" into Congress last week.

And that's not what I was taught in school that "politics" meant. I've learned that it is, you know, the daily work that politicians do. Writing, debating and voting on legislation, if you're part of a parlament, governing if you're in that position, running committees, taking bribes D) and so on.

Not something as specific as trying to sway public opinion of your electability.

And I've been scolded recently, for "using it wrongly". So I thought I'd ask.

Is it maybe a new way of using the word, pouring the general publics disdain and distrust of all things political into that one monkier, and slamming each other over the head with it?

 

[Stella_Omega]

The English language is an ever-changing thing... "motherfucker" once was the ultimate insult-- now it's "politician."

 

[voluptuary_manque]

A couple of years back I read that the journalistic 'profession' was in a panic when they found that their social status was approaching members of Congress! And appropriately so, too.

 

[DesertPirate]

A couple of years back I read that the journalistic 'profession' was in a panic when they found that their social status was approaching members of Congress! And appropriately so, too.

Which puts them both slightly above lawyers

To me, politics is a polite way of saying bullshit!

 

[voluptuary_manque]

Which puts them both slightly above lawyers

To me, politics is a polite way of saying bullshit!

And three steps below used car salesmen in plaid sports jackets.

 

[DesertPirate]

And three steps below used car salesmen in plaid sports jackets.

Don't forget the two toned shoes!

 

[Weird Harold]

What does the word "politics" mean?

Poli == a prefix meaning many.

Ticks == blood-sucking insects.

Poli+ticks.

Politics still means what the dictionary says it does, but the connotation of the word has come to encompass the endemic corruption and deal-making for the sake of making deals that is partisan politics -- when the word "Politics" is used , there is usually an implied modifier like "partisan" "party" or "as usual" affixed to it.

 

[dr_mabeuse]

Politics is the exercise of power against the masses by non-violent means.

As such it includes bribery, corruption, sex, lying, and any other manipulative technique you can think of. Why are you surprised?

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

I find it helpful to re-read Machiavelli's THE PRINCE occasionally. It removes the bugs from my windshield.

 

[jomar]

Poli == a prefix meaning many.

Ticks == blood-sucking insects.

Poli+ticks.

Politics still means what the dictionary says it does, but the connotation of the word has come to encompass the endemic corruption and deal-making for the sake of making deals that is partisan politics -- when the word "Politics" is used , there is usually an implied modifier like "partisan" "party" or "as usual" affixed to it.

And is pervasive right down to your local PTA.

 

[Saucy_Sage]

The word "politic" is an adjective, used to mean that something (e.g., a decision) is characterized by wisdom, shrewdness, and experience. If you add an "s," the word becomes a noun, and therebywhich connotes the negativization of the original word into its immediate oppositiveness.

In Scrabble, it allows you to count the 10 points of "politic" again while at the same time making another word using the "s." Kewl.