Il Duce
- noun
- /ɪl ˈduːtʃeɪ/
- Offensive
:
Il Duce
- Some critics referred to the mayor as an Il Duce because of his authoritarian style of governance.
Examples
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The new governor's aggressive policies led many to label him an Il Duce for his dictatorial approach.
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In the debate, one candidate was accused of acting like an Il Duce due to his extreme views and disregard for dissent.
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This Il Duce's a fuckin' animal.
Synonyms
218
4.2
A ruler with complete power who often takes control by force and ignores the law
53
7.0
An Italian fascist dictator who ruled Italy as prime minister from 1922 to 1943
16
8.4
A ruler in ancient Greece who took power by force and ruled cruelly
6
9.9
A title used for Benito Mussolini, the leader of Italy under fascism
1
9.9
A local leader in Nazi Germany who controls people like a dictator
An Italian fascist dictator who led Italy from 1922 to 1943
Surface Forms
Morphology
Il + duce
The phrase is an Italian borrowing literally meaning 'the leader' (il = the, duce = the title used for Mussolini), so a learner who knows the constituents could grasp the basic literal sense. However, its specific association with Mussolini and its use as a negative epithet implying dictatorial behavior is culturally and historically specific and not fully derivable from the words alone, making the expression only partially transparent.
Etymology
Il Duce is also used as a nickname for a political leader people think is acting like a dictator. Calling someone Il Duce is a quick way to say they 'act like Mussolini' or try to take all the power.