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Glite Dictionary
Dear Leader

Dear Leader

2 9.7
A respectful or sarcastic name for a powerful ruler who controls a country
  • noun
  • Formal
translation icon : Querido Líder
  • The 80-year-old Kim will have to relinquish power in the not-too-distant future, and according to the official script, "Dear Leader" Kim Chong II will assume his father's mantle.
  • Dear Leader Kim
  • Dear Leader Kim Jong-il
  • Dear Leader Kim Jong

So let's listen to their dear leader regarding tax exempt status on the heels of all of these Republicans saying how dangerous it is.

Examples

  • In this current instance, our own Dear Leader was already awake, was well aware of what was transpiring, and chose to go to bed anyway as he had something more important to rest up for—campaigning for re-election.

    Blog text (9)

  • While I regard Dear Leader as an empty suit, I don't regard him as stupid.

    Blog text (9)

  • I fear that our "Dear Leader" could find himself thinking the same way.

    Blog text (15)

  • The reason for so many empty chairs is that many people are following Dear Leader's example.

    Blog text (15)

  • Democrats will go to great lengths to protect Dear Leader at all costs.

    Blog text (24)

  • The "Dear Leader" and his minions have exactly what they want.

    Blog text (15)

  • Our blessing does not come from BIG GOV nor from Dear Leader, but PROGS are leading us there to destruction.

    Blog text (9)

  • Many citizens feel pressure to praise their Dear Leader in public, fearing repercussions otherwise.

  • The propaganda media often portrays Dear Leader as a benevolent figure who cares deeply for the people.

  • In the totalitarian regime, every decision reflects Dear Leader's will, leaving no room for dissent.

Synonyms

dictator
vsDear Leader
33 5.6

A person who controls others in a group or family and ignores their opinions

is used as a satirical or official title rather than a behavior label
big white chief
vsDear Leader
  • Informal
1 7.9

A person in charge whom people jokingly call very important

is a specific title used in satire or official propaganda for authoritarian rulers

Surface Forms

Dear Leader singular
Dear Leaders plural

Morphology

dear + leader

The phrase is compositionally interpretable as 'beloved' or 'cherished leader' from the meanings of 'dear' and 'leader', so learners who know both words will grasp a basic sense. However, its specific political/pragmatic use as a propagandistic honorific (and sometimes ironic or satirical reference to authoritarian rulers) is culturally loaded and not fully predictable from the words alone, making the expression only partially transparent.

Etymology

Dear Leader may come from official speeches and posters that called a ruler dear and a respected leader. That image of public praise is why people use Dear Leader today to mean 'a leader with total power', and why journalists sometimes use it as a joke to show criticism.