Susie Dent suggests that pinpointing the “snollygosters” and “mumpsimus” in society can bring a sense of calm during turbulent political times. Drawing a parallel to the tale of Rumpelstiltskin, Dent emphasizes the power of naming and thereby disempowering these elements. A “snollygoster” typically denotes a cunning yet unscrupulous politician, while “mumpsimus” describes someone who stubbornly believes they are right despite evidence suggesting otherwise.
Dent, renowned for her appearances on the U.K. Channel 4 shows “Countdown” and “8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown,” is set to release her book “Words for Life: To Boost Every Day of the Year” in March. She underscores the enduring relevance of certain forgotten terms that are likely to remain pertinent in the upcoming year.
Political scientist Jamie Gillies accentuates the significance of these words in enabling a more precise depiction of situations. He asserts that terms like “tyranny” and “authoritarianism” may fall short in accurately capturing contemporary realities.
Regarding the term “snollygoster,” Dent reveals its origins from a mythical creature used to instill discipline in children. Over time, it evolved to represent an unprincipled individual, particularly a politician driven by personal gain. Gillies notes the term’s applicability to various political figures, including those in the Trump administration and Canadian political context.
Another term, “empleomania,” signifies an obsessive desire for prolonged tenure in public office at any cost. Gillies draws parallels to historical figures like Ferdinand Marcos and Nicolás Maduro, highlighting the personal enrichment often associated with such leadership styles.
Dent emphasizes that familiarizing oneself with these words can aid in navigating challenging political landscapes. She mentions the term “uhtcearu,” an Old English word describing pre-dawn anxiety, as an example of how shared language can provide solace. Gillies suggests that these terms harken back to past populist movements, indicating that such linguistic insights have been prevalent in historical shifts.
In addition to enhancing descriptive accuracy, Gillies points out that these terms inject a touch of humor into political discourse. He posits that reintegrating such terminology could bring a more nuanced and engaging perspective to contemporary political dialogues.