tin-pot dictator

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See also: tinpot dictator

English

Etymology

From tin-pot (of inferior quality, shoddy; insignificant or minor, especially in an amusing and petty manner) +‎ dictator, referring to the cheapness and poor quality of pots made from tin or tin plate.[1][2]

Pronunciation

Noun

tin-pot dictator (plural tin-pot dictators)

  1. (derogatory) An autocratic ruler with little political credibility, typically having delusions of grandeur.
    • 1995, Edward S. Herman, Triumph of the Market: Essays on Economics, Politics, and the Media, South End Press, →ISBN, page 197:
      Broder did mention in passing that the Reagan administration had earlier supported the "tin-pot dictator" and drug trader Manuel Noriega, but he never mentioned George Shultz's presence and sanctioning of the fraudulent Panamanian election of 1984, which left Noriega in charge.

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References

  1. ^ Compare tin-pot, n.”, in OED Online Paid subscription required, Oxford: Oxford University Press, July 2023.
  2. ^ Compare tin-pot, adj.”, in Dictionary.com Unabridged, Dictionary.com, LLC, 1995–present.

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