buckraking: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C1-C2 level vocabulary)Critical/Journalistic; informal; mildly pejorative
Quick answer
What does “buckraking” mean?
The act of charging high fees, often for speeches or appearances, while engaging in political activity or criticism of the establishment.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of charging high fees, often for speeches or appearances, while engaging in political activity or criticism of the establishment.
Derogatorily describes the practice of politicians, former officials, or politically active individuals making large sums of money by giving paid speeches to corporate or special interest groups, often seen as hypocritical or undermining their stated principles.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Word is used in both varieties, but originated and is more frequent in American political journalism.
Connotations
Same critical connotation in both, but UK usage often references American politics specifically.
Frequency
Higher frequency in US political commentary; rare in general UK discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “buckraking” in a Sentence
[Politician/Activist] + be + accused of/engaged in + buckrakingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “buckraking” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The former minister was heavily criticised for buckraking on the corporate lecture circuit after leaving office.
American English
- The senator spent his recess buckraking, giving $100,000 speeches to Wall Street firms.
adjective
British English
- His buckraking activities undermined his credibility as a reformer.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. If used, refers to executives cashing in on fame post-scandal.
Academic
Very rare. Could appear in political science or media criticism papers.
Everyday
Very rare. Mostly encountered in political news commentary.
Technical
Not a technical term.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “buckraking”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “buckraking”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “buckraking”
- Using it as a synonym for any high-income job. Using it in a positive context. Confusing with "buckaroo" or "buckwheat".
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not illegal. It is a critical term for a legal but often seen as ethically questionable practice.
No, it specifically refers to leveraging political or activist fame/influence for lucrative speaking fees, with an implied critique.
It is primarily used as a gerund (noun) or the present participle of the verb 'to buckrake'.
No, it is a low-frequency word used mainly in political journalism and commentary.
The act of charging high fees, often for speeches or appearances, while engaging in political activity or criticism of the establishment.
Buckraking is usually critical/journalistic; informal; mildly pejorative in register.
Buckraking: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbʌkˌreɪkɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbʌkˌreɪkɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on the buckraking circuit”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a politician using a rake to pull in BUCK$ from wealthy interests while talking.
Conceptual Metaphor
MONEY IS A CROP TO BE HARVESTED (raked in) from a field of influence.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'buckraking' most appropriately used?