Poodle (insult)
Encyclopedia
A poodle in politics
is an insult
used to describe a politician
that obediently or passively follows the lead of others. It is considered to be equivalent to lackey.
Usage of the term is thought to relate to the passive and obedient nature of the type of dog
.
In Israel
, a rookie lawmaker tried to have the term's use banned from the Israeli parliament.
In recent times, it has been used against Tony Blair
with regard to his close relationship with George W. Bush
and the actions surrounding Iraq. Pop star George Michael used it in his 2002 song "Shoot the Dog," the video of which showed Blair as a poodle on the White House lawn. However, it has a longer history as being a label to criticize British leaders perceived to be too close to the USA.
Politics
Politics is a process by which groups of people make collective decisions. The term is generally applied to the art or science of running governmental or state affairs, including behavior within civil governments, but also applies to institutions, fields, and special interest groups such as the...
is an insult
Insult
An insult is an expression, statement which is considered degrading and offensive. Insults may be intentional or accidental...
used to describe a politician
Politician
A politician, political leader, or political figure is an individual who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making...
that obediently or passively follows the lead of others. It is considered to be equivalent to lackey.
Usage of the term is thought to relate to the passive and obedient nature of the type of dog
Dog
The domestic dog is a domesticated form of the gray wolf, a member of the Canidae family of the order Carnivora. The term is used for both feral and pet varieties. The dog may have been the first animal to be domesticated, and has been the most widely kept working, hunting, and companion animal in...
.
In Israel
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
, a rookie lawmaker tried to have the term's use banned from the Israeli parliament.
In recent times, it has been used against Tony Blair
Tony Blair
Anthony Charles Lynton Blair is a former British Labour Party politician who served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2 May 1997 to 27 June 2007. He was the Member of Parliament for Sedgefield from 1983 to 2007 and Leader of the Labour Party from 1994 to 2007...
with regard to his close relationship with George W. Bush
George W. Bush
George Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000....
and the actions surrounding Iraq. Pop star George Michael used it in his 2002 song "Shoot the Dog," the video of which showed Blair as a poodle on the White House lawn. However, it has a longer history as being a label to criticize British leaders perceived to be too close to the USA.