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politician

government official / elected representative / tactful manipulator
[C] Countable
pl: politicians

This term carries a dual nature that shifts based on intent. In a professional sense, it is a neutral descriptor for someone whose job is governance and legislation. It identifies a role within a structured system of power. In a social or behavioral sense, the word often takes on a pejorative tone. It suggests a calculated, slippery manner of speaking where the goal is image management rather than honest communication. When someone is called a politician in a private conversation, it usually implies they are being manipulative or evasive.

Used to count individual people who hold political office or exhibit political behavior.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon in a corporate office, texting during a tedious board meeting.
Jessica

The CEO is totally playing the politician with these budget cuts.

Jessica
David
David

True. He's just beating around the bush to avoid the fallout.

💡
Jessica uses 'politician' in its second definition (someone skilled at managing people for gain/lacking sincerity) to describe the CEO's evasiveness. David responds with the idiom 'beating around the bush', meaning to avoid getting to the point, which reinforces the theme of insincerity.

Meanings

Noun

A person who is professionally involved in politics, especially one who holds or seeks an elected office in government.

"The local politician promised to lower taxes if elected."

Noun

A person who is skilled in managing people or situations in a clever, often calculating or opportunistic way to gain an advantage.

"He is a bit of a politician, always knowing exactly what to say to please the boss."

Related Words

Last Updated: June 11, 2026Report an Error