spoilsman: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (archaic/historical)Formal / Historical / Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “spoilsman” mean?
A person who seeks or receives benefits from political patronage, especially government appointments.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who seeks or receives benefits from political patronage, especially government appointments.
A political operative who prioritises the distribution of jobs, contracts, or favours to loyal supporters as a reward, often following an election victory; a practitioner of the 'spoils system'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The concept originated in and is predominantly associated with American political history. British usage is rare and typically only in direct reference to US politics.
Connotations
In both varieties, carries highly negative connotations of corruption and cronyism. In the US, it has a specific historical resonance linked to figures like Senator William Marcy.
Frequency
Exceedingly rare in contemporary British English. In American English, it is still found in academic historical texts and political commentary but is not a common word.
Grammar
How to Use “spoilsman” in a Sentence
[spoilsman] + [of + (political party/leader)]The [adjective] spoilsman + [verb (e.g., distributed, appointed)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spoilsman” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (No standard verb form derived from 'spoilsman')
American English
- (No standard verb form derived from 'spoilsman')
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverb form derived from 'spoilsman')
American English
- (No standard adverb form derived from 'spoilsman')
adjective
British English
- The spoilsman mentality dominated the local council for decades.
American English
- He was a master of spoilsman politics, filling departments with party loyalists.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical and political science texts analysing 19th-century patronage systems.
Everyday
Extremely unlikely to be encountered.
Technical
Not a technical term in any field other than political history.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spoilsman”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “spoilsman”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spoilsman”
- Using it to mean simply a 'corrupt official'. The term is specifically tied to political patronage following an election. Confusing 'spoilsman' with 'spoiler' (one who ruins plans).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an archaic/historical term. It is primarily encountered in texts about 19th-century American political history or in political commentary criticising similar modern patronage practices.
Historically, the term was gendered male ('-man'). A modern, gender-neutral equivalent would be 'practitioner of the spoils system' or 'political patronage beneficiary'. The term 'spoilswoman' is not standard.
A spoilsman seeks or distributes government jobs/contracts as rewards for political support. A lobbyist aims to influence legislation or policy on behalf of a special interest group, not necessarily to obtain jobs directly.
The phrase 'To the victor belong the spoils' is the classic maxim, famously stated by US Senator William L. Marcy in 1832, defending the spoils system.
A person who seeks or receives benefits from political patronage, especially government appointments.
Spoilsman is usually formal / historical / journalistic in register.
Spoilsman: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspɔɪlzmən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspɔɪlzmən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To the victor belong the spoils. (The maxim associated with spoilsmen)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a man who divides the 'spoils' (rewards) of war after a political victory.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITICS IS WAR (the "spoils" are the captured jobs and contracts).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'spoilsman' most accurately used?