dorothy dixer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Political, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “dorothy dixer” mean?
A pre-arranged parliamentary question designed to allow a minister to give a prepared speech or statement, particularly common in the UK, Australian, and other Commonwealth systems.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A pre-arranged parliamentary question designed to allow a minister to give a prepared speech or statement, particularly common in the UK, Australian, and other Commonwealth systems.
A question from a backbench or supportive MP to a government minister that is not seeking information but rather allows the minister to promote government policy or achievements. The term is often used pejoratively to imply the question is staged and the parliamentary process is being used for political theatre rather than genuine scrutiny.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used in UK, Australian, New Zealand, and Canadian parliamentary contexts. It is virtually unknown in American political discourse, as the US Congressional system does not have an equivalent formal procedure. Americans would likely use a descriptive phrase like 'a planted question' or 'a softball question.'
Connotations
In its native contexts, it carries a negative connotation of stage-management and lack of genuine debate. For non-native speakers unfamiliar with the term, it has no inherent connotation.
Frequency
Low frequency overall, but moderately common in political reporting and commentary within Commonwealth countries. Extremely rare in the US.
Grammar
How to Use “dorothy dixer” in a Sentence
The minister was given a Dorothy Dixer.The backbencher asked a Dorothy Dixer on behalf of the Prime Minister.Question Time was filled with Dorothy Dixers.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dorothy dixer” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The MP was asked to dorothy-dix for the Chancellor.
American English
- The term 'to dorothy-dix' is not used in American English.
adjective
British English
- The dorothy-dix question allowed for a lengthy ministerial statement.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in political science, parliamentary studies, and journalism studies to describe procedural tactics.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
A technical term within political and parliamentary jargon.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dorothy dixer”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dorothy dixer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dorothy dixer”
- Spelling: 'Dorothy Dixer', 'Dorothy-Dixer', 'DorothyDixer'. The standard is two words, both capitalized.
- Using it as a general term for any easy question outside politics.
- Pronouncing 'Dixer' to rhyme with 'mixer' (it rhymes with 'fixer').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Dorothy Dix was the pen name of Elizabeth Meriwether Gilmer, a famous American advice columnist. The term originates from Australian slang where a 'Dorothy Dix' was a pre-written, generic reply to a common question, analogous to her advice columns.
It is a formal, accepted part of parliamentary procedure in many systems, used to allow ministers to make statements. However, it is often criticized by opponents and political commentators as reducing genuine debate and being overly stage-managed.
It would not be understood by most Americans in a political context. Terms like 'planted question', 'softball question', or 'patsy question' would be more appropriate.
Typically, yes, because it derives from a person's name (Dorothy Dix). However, in less formal political writing, it may sometimes be seen in lowercase.
A pre-arranged parliamentary question designed to allow a minister to give a prepared speech or statement, particularly common in the UK, Australian, and other Commonwealth systems.
Dorothy dixer is usually formal, political, journalistic in register.
Dorothy dixer: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒr.ə.θi ˈdɪk.sə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɔːr.ə.θi ˈdɪk.sɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Dorothy' asking a 'fixed' question. Dorothy Dix + er = a fixer question.
Conceptual Metaphor
PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE IS THEATRE (with the Dixer being a scripted part).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'Dorothy Dixer' primarily used?