mandarinism
1
9.9
A formal old-fashioned way government officials use language and rules that makes decisions slow
- noun
- /ˌmæn.dəˈrɪn.ɪ.zəm/
- Jargon
:
mandarinismo
- Many felt that the conference's discussions were steeped in mandarinism, lacking practical applications for real-world issues.
Examples
-
His speech was filled with mandarinism, making it hard for the audience to grasp his main points.
-
Brilliance, though perverted into such mandarinism.
Fiction book (2000) -
The new policy was criticized for its mandarinism, which made it difficult for ordinary citizens to understand.
Synonyms
1
9.9
Formal, complicated language used in official or government papers
covers broader elite practices and influence beyond mere written language
1
9.7
Formal, hard to understand language that government officials use
refers to a wider elite style and practices beyond just language
How Formal
mandarinism
1
9.9
- Jargon
1
9.9
formal
17
3.0
- Formal
17
3.0
standard language
1
3.7
1
3.7
colloquialism
5
7.2
5
7.2
slang
56
7.9
- Slang
56
7.9
Surface Forms
mandarinism singular
mandarinisms plural
Morphology
Etymology
The word mandarinism comes from mandarin, the name for high Chinese officials and from an old Asian word for 'counselor', and the ending -ism means 'a way' or 'a practice'. So mandarinism describes the formal, often too official style or influence in government or language.