placeman: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, often critical; historical/political commentary.
Quick answer
What does “placeman” mean?
A person appointed to a public position, especially in government, as a reward for political support or loyalty, rather than for their qualifications.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person appointed to a public position, especially in government, as a reward for political support or loyalty, rather than for their qualifications.
More broadly, a person holding a position due to patronage rather than merit; a political appointee. Can be used pejoratively to imply a lack of independent judgment or expertise.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originates and is most established in British political history. In American English, similar concepts are often covered by 'political appointee', 'patronage appointee', or 'crony'.
Connotations
In UK, it carries a strong historical resonance (e.g., 'Old Corruption'). In US, it may sound somewhat British or archaic but is understood in political discourse.
Frequency
Much more frequent in UK English, though still a low-frequency, specialist term. Rare in general American usage.
Grammar
How to Use “placeman” in a Sentence
[Placeman] + of + [institution/patron]to appoint/be a [placeman]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used metaphorically for someone appointed due to connections rather than skill.
Academic
Used in political science, history, and sociology texts discussing patronage, corruption, and state formation.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would be used only in informed discussion of politics.
Technical
A technical term in political history and analysis of public administration.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “placeman”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “placeman”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “placeman”
- Using it as a synonym for any employee or official. Misspelling as 'placement'. Using it in a positive or neutral sense.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, historically. The modern equivalent 'placeperson' is virtually non-existent. In contemporary usage, the term is understood as gender-neutral in meaning but retains the traditional masculine form.
No. It is inherently pejorative and carries a connotation of corruption, unearned privilege, and a lack of qualification.
A career civil servant is meant to be appointed and promoted based on merit and expertise, often through competitive examination. A placeman is appointed as a political favour, bypassing merit-based systems.
Yes, in political commentary and analysis. While formal 'places' in the 18th-century sense are gone, the concept criticises appointments made for loyalty over competence in government, quangos, and public bodies.
A person appointed to a public position, especially in government, as a reward for political support or loyalty, rather than for their qualifications.
Placeman is usually formal, often critical; historical/political commentary. in register.
Placeman: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpleɪsmən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpleɪsˌmæn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No specific idioms, but often appears in phrases like 'a mere placeman', 'jobs for the boys' captures a similar concept.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a man being given a PLACE (a job/position) as a favour, not because he earned it.
Conceptual Metaphor
GOVERNMENT/POLITICS IS A PATRONAGE NETWORK (where positions are gifts/ rewards).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary criticism implied by calling someone a 'placeman'?