Crony Meaning and Definition
Crony
Pronunciation
/ˈkrɒni/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A person or entity which is close to and has a special interest in, a powerful or influential individual; a person who is favored by someone in a position of power, often unfairly or to the disadvantage of others.
Examples
- The politician’s crony was involved in several questionable business deals.
- The CEO’s crony was given a lucrative contract despite not being the best candidate for the job.
- The government’s cronyism created an environment where only those with connections could get ahead.
- The wealthy businessman’s crony was able to secure a high-level position in the company without having the necessary qualifications.
Etymology
The word “Crony” originated from the Irish word “crony”, meaning “partner” or “ally”. It has been used in English since the 17th century to describe a close friend or associate.
Usage Notes
The word “Crony” is often used to describe a person who has a close and influential relationship with someone in power. It can also be used to describe a situation where someone has an unfair advantage due to their connection.
Cultural References
The term “Crony” has been used in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television. Examples include the phrase “crony capitalism”, which describes a system in which government officials award contracts and favors to their friends and associates, often in exchange for personal gain.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Government cronyism
- Crony capitalism
- Cronyism
Related Words or Phrases
- Influence
- Privilege
- Nepotism
Collocations
- Crony business
- Crony politics
- Crony system
Frequency of Use
The word “Crony” has increased in frequency over the past 20 years, as concerns about government corruption and cronyism have grown. It is often used in the context of political and business journalism.
Common Misspellings
- Gerbera
- Gerny
- Croney