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tin-pot dictator. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
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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)
- (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.
Derived terms
Translations
autocratic ruler with little political credibility
References
Further reading