Spanish word

populismo

Pronunciation

IPA/popuˈlismo/

Meaning

  • masculine nounpopulism

Example

Los políticos usan populismo para ganar votos.

Politicians use populism to win votes.

Illustration for populismo (populism)

More examples

En tiempos electorales, el populismo ofrece mensajes sencillos.

During election periods, populism offers simple messages.

Core concept

Political tactic of winning popular support with simple, direct appeals to ordinary people, often opposing elites.

Common phrases

  • populismo de derechas

    right-wing populism

  • populismo de izquierdas

    left-wing populism

Similar words

demagogia: Stirs crowds with emotional, sensational speeches that manipulate feelings to win backing.
clientelismo: Keeps voter loyalty through targeted distribution of favors, services, or patronage.
personalismo: Relies on a single leader's personal image and networks to secure political support.

Definition in Spanish

Táctica política basada en discursos directos y sencillos dirigidos a la gente común para obtener apoyo popular, frecuentemente en oposición a las élites.

Word origin

The word comes from Latin populus 'people' plus the suffix -ismo, forming a noun for doctrines or tactics directed at the people.

Usage tips

  • In news and debate, 'populismo' is often used as a critical label for a politician's style rather than a neutral description of specific policies.

Opposites

  • elitismoelitismnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word