turncoat
C1Formal, literary, historical; often used in political, military, or organisational contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A person who deserts one party, cause, or allegiance for another; a traitor or renegade.
Someone who changes their beliefs, loyalties, or principles in a way perceived as opportunistic, disloyal, or betraying a previous group or ideology.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Highly pejorative, implying moral weakness, opportunism, and betrayal. The word carries strong negative judgment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The term is equally understood and used in both varieties.
Connotations
Strongly negative connotations of treachery and lack of principle in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more common in historical or literary contexts than in casual daily speech in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[be/label/brand/call/consider] + [someone] + a turncoat[turncoat] + [verb e.g., betrayed/deserted/joined]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Turn one's coat (less common verb form)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically for an executive who joins a direct competitor.
Academic
Used in history, political science, and literary criticism to discuss figures who changed sides.
Everyday
Used to express strong disapproval of someone perceived as disloyal, e.g., in politics or social groups.
Technical
Not applicable.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The phrase 'to turn one's coat' is archaic and rarely used.
American English
- He was accused of turning his coat after the scandal.
adjective
British English
- The turncoat MP faced fury from his former constituents.
American English
- She exposed the turncoat agent's activities to the press.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He left our team and joined the other one. Some people call him a turncoat.
- The politician was called a turncoat when he switched parties just before the election.
- The general, once a loyalist, became the ultimate turncoat, delivering crucial intelligence to the rebel forces.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a soldier literally TURNing his uniform COAT inside out to show the enemy's colours – a vivid image of betrayal.
Conceptual Metaphor
LOYALTY IS A GARMENT (one can change or turn it).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не является прямым эквивалентом "перевёртыш" (which is more general and less severe). Closer to "ренегат", "предатель", "отступник".
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a verb (incorrect: *'He turncoated to the other party.'). The verb form is archaic ('to turn one's coat').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'turncoat' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, in modern English 'turncoat' is solely a noun. The related archaic verb phrase is 'to turn one's coat'.
They are very close synonyms, but 'traitor' is broader and more severe, often implying betrayal of one's country. 'Turncoat' specifically emphasises changing sides or allegiances.
It originates from the literal idea of turning one's coat inside out to hide the colours or insignia of one's allegiance and show another, a practice attributed to duplicitous soldiers or servants.
Yes, it is a strongly pejorative term that accuses someone of disloyalty and opportunism. It should be used with caution as it is highly insulting.