commie: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (context-specific, primarily historical/political discourse)Informal, slang, derogatory
Quick answer
What does “commie” mean?
A slang and often derogatory term for a communist or a person with communist beliefs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A slang and often derogatory term for a communist or a person with communist beliefs.
In a broader, often polemical context, it can be used loosely to criticize or label individuals, policies, or organisations perceived as excessively left-wing, authoritarian, or anti-capitalist.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is similar, though perhaps more culturally embedded in American political discourse from the McCarthy era. In the UK, it might be used more broadly for any far-left group.
Connotations
Strongly negative, implying a threat to freedom, capitalism, and national values. Can be used humorously among friends in a knowingly exaggerated way.
Frequency
Frequency has declined since the end of the Cold War but sees resurgence during political tensions involving leftist policies or figures.
Grammar
How to Use “commie” in a Sentence
{adjective} commiecommie {noun}verb + commie (e.g., fight the commies)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “commie” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not standard; extremely rare as a verb)
American English
- (Not standard; extremely rare as a verb)
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; no adverbial form)
American English
- (Not standard; no adverbial form)
adjective
British English
- He was accused of having commie leanings during the miners' strikes.
- They dismissed the plan as pure commie nonsense.
American English
- My grandpa still calls any tax hike a commie plot.
- They labeled the universal healthcare proposal a commie scheme.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used in formal business contexts. Might appear in highly charged political commentary on economic policy.
Academic
Avoided in formal academic writing due to its pejorative and non-technical nature. Scholars use 'communist'.
Everyday
Rare in polite conversation. May be used jokingly among friends about sharing resources ('Don't be such a commie, pass the biscuits!').
Technical
Not a technical term in political science.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “commie”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “commie”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “commie”
- Using it as a neutral synonym for 'communist'.
- Overusing it in serious writing where 'communist' is required.
- Misapplying it to any centre-left or social democratic policy.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in nearly all contexts. It is a pejorative slang term. While it can be used in humorous, self-deprecating, or reclaimed ways among certain groups, default to treating it as derogatory.
'Communist' is the standard, neutral noun for an adherent of communism. 'Commie' is a slang, derogatory shortening used to express contempt, fear, or ridicule.
Yes, informally and derogatorily (e.g., 'a commie country', 'the commie bloc'), though 'communist country' or 'Marxist state' are the neutral terms.
Because its strong negative connotations can cause serious offense or make you sound aggressively ideological. It is rarely necessary for effective communication and can hinder nuanced discussion.
A slang and often derogatory term for a communist or a person with communist beliefs.
Commie is usually informal, slang, derogatory in register.
Commie: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒmi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːmi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Commie pinko (combined insult)”
- “Better dead than red (associated slogan)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'commie' as a short, snappy, and sneering way to say 'communist' – it cuts the word down just as the speaker believes the ideology cuts down freedom.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNISM IS A DISEASE / PLAGUE (implied by words like 'filthy', 'sympathizer'). COMMUNIST IS AN ENEMY COMBATANT ('threat', 'regime', 'fight').
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'commie' be LEAST appropriate?