The Patriot Files Forums - Political Slang

HATCHET JOBS & HARDBALL [Oxford Dictionary of American Political Slang] 250 Years of Lively Discourse & Illuminating Citations

ANXIOUS CLASS, n a social stratum primarily worried about its jobs and household economies

BOY SCOUT, n. - a person who is idealistic and naive; [hence] one who is scandal-free or incorruptible

CHICKEN HAWK, n. - a person who advocated military aggression but avoided service [or did not serve] in the military

DOVER TEST, n. - a determination of what level of military losses, especially war dead, will be tolerated by voters

FAIR-FIGHT DISTRICT, n. - a voting area which is redistricted to favor no political party, usually the result of a gerrymander

SECURITY MOM, n. - a mother whose voting habits are said to be affected by concern for her children?s safety

THROW RED MEAT, v. - to appease, satisfy, rally, or excite one?s [political] supporters
Usually translated: throw red meat to the lions, the wolves, the sharks, etc

TURKEY FARM, n. - a department or agency staffed with political and patronage hirees; [broadly] an under performing office

WATERMELON, n. - a communist masquerading as an environmental activist

WEAPONS OF MASS DISTRACTION, n. - plural a tactic used to divert attention, especially from scandal or unpopular policies

VELCRO PRESIDENT, n. - a president caught in controversy and scandal