grand old party: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Political journalism, formal discussion, historical analysis
Quick answer
What does “grand old party” mean?
A nickname for the Republican Party in the United States, often abbreviated as GOP.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A nickname for the Republican Party in the United States, often abbreviated as GOP.
A historical and political term referring to the Republican Party, often emphasizing its long-standing tradition, conservative principles, and established role in American politics.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Exclusively an American political term with no direct British equivalent. In British contexts, it is only used when discussing US politics.
Connotations
In the UK/American context: A specific, culturally loaded nickname for a US institution. In purely British contexts: Recognized only as a foreign political term.
Frequency
High frequency in American political discourse and media; very low frequency in general British English, except in discussions of US politics.
Grammar
How to Use “grand old party” in a Sentence
[The/His/Her/Their] + Grand Old PartyGrand Old Party + [of the United States/historically/traditionally]GOP, the Grand Old Party,Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “grand old party” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The commentator noted how the group had begun to grand old party its image, emphasising tradition.
American English
- Some strategists want to Grand Old Party the brand, focusing on its historic roots.
adverb
British English
- The policy was drafted Grand Old Party-style, with great ceremony.
American English
- They voted Grand Old Party-loyally, following the party line.
adjective
British English
- He has a very Grand Old Party demeanour, evoking a bygone political era.
American English
- It was a classic Grand Old Party stance, favoring lower taxes and a strong military.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in political risk analysis and market commentary related to US policy changes. Example: 'Markets are watching the Grand Old Party's stance on fiscal policy.'
Academic
Used in political science, history, and American studies to discuss party evolution, ideology, and electoral strategy. Example: 'The chapter analyses the Grand Old Party's shift in the late 20th century.'
Everyday
Used in general news consumption and political discussion, primarily in the US. Example: 'The Grand Old Party's primary is getting crowded.'
Technical
Used in polling, political journalism, and historical writing as a formal alternative to 'GOP' or 'Republicans.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “grand old party”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “grand old party”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “grand old party”
- Using lowercase ('grand old party') when referring specifically to the Republican Party. Using it to refer to any old or established party in other countries (it is a proper noun specific to the US).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a historical nickname and epithet for the Republican Party. The formal name is 'Republican Party.'
It emerged in the 1870s, originally used for the Democratic Party but was adopted by Republicans by the 1880s.
Yes, in most contexts. 'GOP' is the common abbreviation derived from 'Grand Old Party.'
Not one as universally established. 'Democrats' is the standard term, though 'the Donkey' is a party symbol.
A nickname for the Republican Party in the United States, often abbreviated as GOP.
Grand old party: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡrænd ˌəʊld ˈpɑːti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡrænd ˌoʊld ˈpɑːrti/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The Grand Old Party is at a crossroads.”
- “A pillar of the Grand Old Party.”
- “The soul of the Grand Old Party.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: GRAND (impressive, big) OLD (long history) PARTY (political party). It's the granddad of US political parties.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITICAL PARTY IS AN INSTITUTION (old, grand, established like a venerable building or club).
Practice
Quiz
In which country is the term 'Grand Old Party' exclusively used?