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Where does the word "demagogue" come from? It comes from Greek dēmagōgos, passing through French before entering English (1640s).
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Where does the word "demagogue" come from? It comes from Greek dēmagōgos, passing through French before entering English (1640s).
Demagogue’s story begins in Greek: dēmagōgos meant “popular leader.” 'leader of the people'; Athenian critics used it for populists such as Cleon, mocked by Aristophanes. By 1600s, the word had taken hold in French as démagogue. Taken up in political pamphlets. It reached English by 1640s as demagogue. Used from the English Civil War onward as an insult. Today, demagogue means a political leader who appeals to popular prejudice.
- Stage 1 · Greek · ancient dēmagōgos "popular leader", 'leader of the people'; Athenian critics used it for populists such as Cleon, mocked by Aristophanes.
- Stage 2 · French · 1600s démagogue "demagogue", taken up in political pamphlets.
- Stage 3 · English · 1640s demagogue "rabble-rouser", used from the English Civil War onward as an insult.