locofoco: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowHistorical/Archaic
Quick answer
What does “locofoco” mean?
A type of friction match or a self-lighting cigar.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of friction match or a self-lighting cigar; historically, a member of a radical faction of the U.S. Democratic Party in the 1830s.
The term originally referred to a self-igniting match or cigar, but became a political nickname for a faction of the Democratic Party that supported radical economic policies and opposed monopolies. It is now an archaic historical term.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is almost exclusively American in its political historical context. British usage, if any, would only refer to the match/cigar.
Connotations
In American historical context, it connotes radicalism, populism, and anti-banking sentiment of the 1830s-40s. In British context, it would be a neutral term for a match.
Frequency
Extremely rare in modern British English. In American English, it appears only in historical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “locofoco” in a Sentence
member of the Locofocosa Locofoco matchthe Locofoco factionVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “locofoco” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The locofoco mechanism was quite ingenious.
- He found a box of old locofoco matches.
American English
- The Locofoco wing of the party pushed for hard currency.
- Locofoco principles opposed corporate monopolies.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used only in historical/political science texts discussing 19th-century U.S. politics.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Potentially in historical discussions of match technology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “locofoco”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “locofoco”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “locofoco”
- Using it as a modern political term.
- Spelling as 'loco-foco' or 'loco foco'.
- Assuming it is still in active use.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an archaic historical term. You will only encounter it in texts about 19th-century U.S. history.
They were radical Democrats who opposed banking monopolies, supported hard currency (specie), and advocated for equal rights and anti-corruption measures.
No, there is no standard verbal use of 'locofoco'. It functions primarily as a noun (for the group or the match) and historically as an adjective.
It is not important for general communication. It is only relevant for advanced learners specializing in U.S. political history or the history of technology.
A type of friction match or a self-lighting cigar.
Locofoco is usually historical/archaic in register.
Locofoco: in British English it is pronounced /ˌləʊkəʊˈfəʊkəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌloʊkoʊˈfoʊkoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “as rare as a Locofoco in modern politics”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'LOCO' (crazy/radical) + 'FOCO' (focus/fire) → radical fire-starters, either literally (matches) or politically.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITICAL RADICALISM IS FIRE / A SPARK.
Practice
Quiz
What is the origin of the political term 'Locofoco'?