Spanish Conversation · Level 26
90 words
Spanish word
demagogia
Pronunciation
IPA/demaˈɣoxja/
Meaning
- feminine noundemagoguery
Example
La demagogia utiliza promesas sencillas para ganar apoyo.
Demagoguery uses simple promises to win support.
More examples
En la cena, muchos llamaron esa propuesta pura demagogia.
At the dinner, many called that proposal mere demagoguery.
Core concept
Deliberate exploitation of public fear or hope in speeches or media to win followers.
Common phrases
pura demagogia
mere demagoguery
acusaciones de demagogia
charges of demagoguery
prácticas de demagogia
practices of demagoguery
Similar words
populismo: Mobilizes common social frustrations and promises concrete remedies to attract voters.
demagogo: Exploits emotions and spectacle to rile crowds and build a personal power base.
manipulación: Shapes or misrepresents facts and context to steer public judgment and choices.
Definition in Spanish
Uso de recursos retóricos que manipulan el temor o la esperanza del público para obtener apoyo, especialmente en contextos electorales o mediáticos.
Word origin
Built from Greek demos 'people' plus agō 'lead', the historical δημαγωγία produced words like demagogue and demagogy and ultimately the Spanish demagogia for emotionally charged persuasion.
Usage tips
- The noun often appears with verbs like acusar de or hablar de la demagogia and usually carries a pejorative tone, so expect it as a charge rather than a neutral label.