Kangaroo court Meaning and Definition
Kangaroo court
Pronunciation
/ˈkæŋərʊər ˈkɔːrt/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A tribunal or court, especially an informal one, in which the proceedings are often characterized by a disregard for the normal rules of law, and are often biased or corrupt.
Examples
- The new CEO was accused of presiding over a kangaroo court that was biased in favor of senior management.
- The whistleblower spoke out against the company’s kangaroo court, which was accused of firing employees for speaking out against the company.
Synonyms
- Star chamber
- Court-martial
Antonyms
- Independent tribunal
- Impartial court
Etymology
The term “kangaroo court” is believed to have originated in the late 19th century, named after the kangaroo, an Australian animal known for its perceived unfair and arbitrary treatment of its opponents in a boxing match.
Usage Notes
The term “kangaroo court” is often used to criticize organizations, governments, or individuals that are perceived as unfair, arbitrary, or corrupt in their decision-making processes.
Cultural References
The term “kangaroo court” has been referenced in popular culture, including in films, television shows, and literature.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Hanging judge” and “kangaroo court” are idiomatic expressions that refer to a judge or a tribunal that is perceived as unfair or biased.
Related Words or Phrases
Tribunal, court, judiciary, arbitrator, mediator.
Collocations
The term “kangaroo court” often collocates with words such as “unfair”, “arbitrary”, “corrupt”, “biased”, and “impartial”.
Frequency of Use
The term “kangaroo court” is relatively rare in modern language, but it is often used in situations where there is a perceived lack of transparency, fairness, or accountability.
Common Misspellings
Kangarooe Court, Kangoroo Court, Kanagroo Court, Kanagoo Court.