crypto-fascist: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Academic, Political
Quick answer
What does “crypto-fascist” mean?
A person who secretly holds or supports fascist beliefs while publicly concealing or denying them.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who secretly holds or supports fascist beliefs while publicly concealing or denying them.
Can also describe ideologies, policies, or rhetoric that subtly advance fascist principles under a different label or within a different framework, or any entity (e.g., a group, publication) operating in such a covert manner.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. The hyphenated form 'crypto-fascist' is standard in both, though 'cryptofascist' is also occasionally seen.
Connotations
Equally strong negative connotations in both varieties. Possibly more frequent in UK discourse due to historical analysis of inter-war European politics.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general corpora, but appears in political commentary, historical texts, and sociological analysis in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “crypto-fascist” in a Sentence
[Person/Group] be [a/an] crypto-fascist[Policy/Rhetoric] has a crypto-fascist [character/nature]accuse [Person/Group] of being crypto-fascistVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crypto-fascist” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was accused of crypto-fascisting his way into the mainstream.
American English
- Some argue the group is attempting to crypto-fascist its agenda through legalistic means.
adverb
British English
- The organisation operated crypto-fascistically, using liberal language to illiberal ends.
American English
- The policy was designed to function crypto-fascistically, weakening democratic institutions from within.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in political science, history, and sociology to analyse movements or figures that use democratic processes for anti-democratic aims.
Everyday
Rare; would be a very strong, specific accusation in political discussion.
Technical
Not a technical term per se, but a term of political analysis and polemic.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “crypto-fascist”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “crypto-fascist”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crypto-fascist”
- Using it as a casual synonym for 'conservative' or 'authoritarian', diluting its specific meaning of intentional concealment.
- Misspelling as 'crypto-facist' (missing 's').
- Pronouncing 'crypto' as in 'cryptocurrency' with a strong first syllable (/ˈkrɪp.toʊ/); the standard pronunciation has even stress or a secondary-primary pattern (/ˌkrɪp.toʊ/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is primarily a term of political criticism and accusation. While used in academic analysis, it carries a strong negative judgment and implies bad faith.
Yes, the term is often applied descriptively to ideologies, rhetoric, or policies that advance fascist goals under a different name or framework, regardless of the proponents' conscious intent.
A fascist openly adheres to fascist ideology. A crypto-fascist is believed to share those beliefs but conceals them, operating within mainstream or democratic structures to avoid the stigma of the label.
It is uncommon in mainstream reporting due to its extreme and accusatory nature. It appears more in opinion pieces, polemical writing, and specialised political commentary.
A person who secretly holds or supports fascist beliefs while publicly concealing or denying them.
Crypto-fascist is usually formal, academic, political in register.
Crypto-fascist: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkrɪp.təʊ ˈfæʃ.ɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkrɪp.toʊ ˈfæʃ.ɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A wolf in sheep's clothing (similar conceptual meaning)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'crypt' as a hidden tomb, and 'fascist' – a 'crypto-fascist' keeps their fascist beliefs buried and hidden from public view.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEOLOGY IS A CONCEALED OBJECT / POLITICAL IDENTITY IS A HIDDEN AGENDA.
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining feature of a 'crypto-fascist'?