Red tapism Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈrɛd ˈtæpɪzəm/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A bureaucratic or administrative obstacle or inconvenience, often characterized by excessive paperwork, red tape, or unnecessary complexity.

Examples

• The new employee found the company’s payroll system to be a nightmare of red tapism, requiring hours of paperwork to complete.
• The city’s planning department was notorious for its red tapism, often causing projects to be delayed or put on hold.
• The startup struggled with red tapism when trying to secure funding from investors, who required extensive paperwork and documentation.
• The government’s red tapism led to a backlog of citizenship applications, causing lengthy delays and frustration for applicants.

Synonyms

• Obstacle
• Delay
• Complexity

Antonyms

• Simplicity
• Speed
• Efficiency

Etymology

The word “red tapism” is derived from the phrase “red tape,” which originated in the 17th century to describe the crimson tape used to bind and fasten official documents. The phrase was later extended to describe the complex and time-consuming procedures involved in processing official paperwork.

Usage Notes

Red tapism is often used to describe situations where bureaucratic procedures or administrative hurdles cause delays or inefficiencies. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it may be more commonly used in formal writing or professional settings.

Cultural References

Red tapism has been referenced in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television. For example, in the TV show “The Office,” the character Michael Scott often complains about the red tapism involved in dealing with corporate paperwork.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“Cut through the red tape” is a common idiomatic expression that means to simplify or eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic procedures.

Related Words or Phrases

Bureaucracy, obstacles, paperwork, delays, inefficiency

Collocations

Red tapism is often collocated with words such as “bureaucratic,” “inefficient,” “complicated,” or “time-consuming.”

Frequency of Use

Red tapism is a relatively uncommon word in modern language, although it may be more commonly used in formal or professional contexts where bureaucratic procedures are involved.

Common Misspellings

Red tapusm, Red tapisim, Red tajisim