locofocoism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Obscure / HistoricalHistorical / Academic
Quick answer
What does “locofocoism” mean?
The political principles, practices, or policies of the Locofocos, a radical faction of the US Democratic Party in the 1830s–1840s, advocating hard money, anti-monopoly, and anti-banking positions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The political principles, practices, or policies of the Locofocos, a radical faction of the US Democratic Party in the 1830s–1840s, advocating hard money, anti-monopoly, and anti-banking positions.
In a broader sense, it can refer to any fervent, radical political or economic agitation, especially of a populist, anti-establishment nature. It can also imply chaotic or disruptive factionalism within a larger group.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is almost exclusively American in origin and historical reference. A British user would almost certainly be using it in reference to American history or as a learned allusion.
Connotations
In American usage, it evokes specific historical political struggles. In potential British usage, it would likely be perceived as an esoteric Americanism.
Frequency
Virtually unused in modern British English. In American English, it is confined to historical academic writing and highly specialized political commentary.
Grammar
How to Use “locofocoism” in a Sentence
The noun is typically used in subject or object position, e.g., 'Locofocoism spread...' or 'He championed locofocoism.'Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “locofocoism” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- His rhetoric had a locofocoish fervour to it.
- They discussed locofocoite tendencies within the movement.
American English
- The locofoco wing of the party was vocal.
- He held locofocoite views on the banking system.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical and political science papers on antebellum America.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
May appear in highly specialized texts on the history of US political parties or economic thought.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “locofocoism”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “locofocoism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “locofocoism”
- Misspelling as 'locofocism' (missing the second 'o').
- Using it as a synonym for any general political chaos, rather than its specific historical/ideological meaning.
- Capitalizing it when not at the start of a sentence (it is a common noun derived from a proper name).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It was a brand of friction match (a type of early match). The faction got the name when their opponents turned off the gaslights at a meeting, and they used Locofoco matches to light candles and continue.
No, it is a historical term. It might be used metaphorically by a political commentator to describe a similar radical, anti-establishment faction, but this is very rare and scholarly.
Yes, it was a radical faction within the Democratic Party in the United States during the presidency of Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren.
Only in a deliberate, metaphorical, and historically-informed analogy. Using it without explanation would likely confuse most readers or listeners, as it is an obscure term.
The political principles, practices, or policies of the Locofocos, a radical faction of the US Democratic Party in the 1830s–1840s, advocating hard money, anti-monopoly, and anti-banking positions.
Locofocoism is usually historical / academic in register.
Locofocoism: in British English it is pronounced /ˌləʊkəʊˈfəʊkəʊɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌloʊkoʊˈfoʊkoʊˌɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The locofoco spirit (meaning a radical, anti-establishment fervour).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: LOCO (crazy) + FOCO (focus) + ISM (doctrine) = 'the crazy-focused doctrine' of those radical 19th-century Democrats.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITICAL RADICALISM IS FIRE (from the Locofoco matches used to light the hall when their opponents turned off the gaslights).
Practice
Quiz
What was a core tenet of locofocoism?