heeler: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSpecialized/Historical/Informal
Quick answer
What does “heeler” mean?
A person or animal that nips at the heels, especially a herding dog that controls livestock by biting their heels.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person or animal that nips at the heels, especially a herding dog that controls livestock by biting their heels.
1. A herding dog (esp. Australian Cattle Dog, Queensland Heeler). 2. (US politics, historical) A low-level political operative who works to ensure voters turn out. 3. (Informal, often derogatory) An unprincipled follower or subordinate who does the aggressive or menial work for someone else.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The herding dog sense is more common and recognized in Commonwealth countries (Australia/UK). The political 'ward heeler' sense originated in and is primarily associated with 19th/early 20th century US urban politics.
Connotations
In the US, the political sense carries strong connotations of corruption and machine politics. In dog contexts, 'Heeler' (capitalized) is a neutral breed name.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both varieties. Slightly more likely to be understood in the US in its historical political sense, and in the UK/Australia in its dog breed sense.
Grammar
How to Use “heeler” in a Sentence
[ward] heeler for [political machine][cattle/blue] heeleract as a heelerVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “heeler” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A (noun only)
American English
- N/A (noun only)
adverb
British English
- N/A (noun only)
American English
- N/A (noun only)
adjective
British English
- N/A (noun only)
American English
- N/A (noun only)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused. If used metaphorically, it would be a severe pejorative for a junior employee used for unethical tasks.
Academic
Used in historical/political science texts discussing machine politics (US) or in literature on dog breeds/animal husbandry.
Everyday
Rare. Most likely in discussions of dog breeds ("I have a Blue Heeler") or in historical drama dialogue.
Technical
Primary technical use is in cynology (study of dogs) for specific breed names (e.g., Australian Cattle Dog, Queensland Heeler).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “heeler”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “heeler”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “heeler”
- Confusing 'heeler' with 'healer'. Using it as a general term for any assistant. Assuming it is a common, contemporary word.
- Incorrect: 'He is a heeler in the marketing department.' Correct: 'He is a low-level operative, a real ward heeler, for the old political machine.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, that is a 'heeler' for shoe repair or a 'heel' for a shoe part. The noun 'heeler' refers to a dog or a political operative.
Not in modern, formal contexts. Historically it was an informal term for a political agent. It is not a standard occupation.
Both imply subservience, but 'henchman' suggests a stronger, more capable (often violent) follower, while 'heeler' suggests a lower-level, more menial or pest-like operative, especially in political contexts.
Yes, when referring to the specific breed of dog (Australian Cattle Dog), it is typically capitalized as a proper noun: Blue Heeler, Queensland Heeler.
A person or animal that nips at the heels, especially a herding dog that controls livestock by biting their heels.
Heeler is usually specialized/historical/informal in register.
Heeler: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhiːlə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhiːlər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “ward heeler”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A HEELER nips at HEELS - think of a dog at the HEEL of a cow or a political lackey at the HEEL of a boss.
Conceptual Metaphor
SERVANT/DOG IS A HEELER (subservience, following closely, performing menial/aggressive tasks).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'heeler' most neutrally and commonly used today?