sixth column: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowLiterary / Historical / Technical / Speculative
Quick answer
What does “sixth column” mean?
A hypothetical or extended concept referring to a hidden group of subversive agents or sympathizers working secretly within a country or organization, typically used in speculative, historical, or literary contexts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hypothetical or extended concept referring to a hidden group of subversive agents or sympathizers working secretly within a country or organization, typically used in speculative, historical, or literary contexts.
In non-standard usage, it can denote a particularly deep or insidious layer of infiltration beyond the conventional 'fifth column,' or refer to the sixth section in a series of data columns.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage. The term is equally rare and context-dependent in both varieties.
Connotations
Primarily carries connotations of espionage, betrayal, or deep infiltration when used metaphorically. In literal contexts, it is neutral.
Frequency
Extremely rare. Most encounters will be in specialized historical analysis, speculative fiction, or technical writing.
Grammar
How to Use “sixth column” in a Sentence
[the/possessive] + sixth column + [of + organization/country][verb: uncover/fear/describe] + the sixth columnVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sixth column” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The sixth-column threat was considered more theoretical.
American English
- They discussed sixth-column activity in the report.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused. Potentially in risk management metaphors for internal corporate threats.
Academic
Used in historical or political science discussions analyzing layered infiltration, or in literature discussing speculative concepts.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would likely be misunderstood or require explanation.
Technical
Literal use: 'The data is in the sixth column of the spreadsheet.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sixth column”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sixth column”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sixth column”
- Using 'sixth column' when the standard term is 'fifth column.'
- Assuming it is a widely recognized idiom with a fixed meaning.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not a standard idiom. It is either a creative extension of the idiom 'fifth column' or a literal reference to a column in a series.
'Fifth column' is the standard term for a group of subversive agents. 'Sixth column' is a non-standard term that might imply an even more secretive or deeper level of infiltration, but it lacks a fixed definition.
Only with very careful definition and context. In most formal writing, 'fifth column' is the correct term for the metaphorical concept. For literal use (e.g., in a table), it is perfectly acceptable.
In British English: /sɪksθ ˈkɒləm/. In American English: /sɪksθ ˈkɑːləm/. The 'xth' cluster in 'sixth' can be tricky; practice saying 'six' then adding a soft 'th' sound.
A hypothetical or extended concept referring to a hidden group of subversive agents or sympathizers working secretly within a country or organization, typically used in speculative, historical, or literary contexts.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A 'sixth column' is a twist on the classic idiom 'fifth column.'”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a spreadsheet with six columns. The sixth one is the last, and sometimes the most hidden or important. For the metaphorical meaning, remember: first through fifth columns are overt, the 'sixth' is the deepest secret.
Conceptual Metaphor
INFILTRATION IS A HIDDEN COLUMN (extending the established 'fifth column' metaphor).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'sixth column' most likely to be used literally?