banana republic
A small country, especially one in Central America or the West Indies, that is dependent on a single export commodity (traditionally bananas) and that has a corrupt, dictatorial government.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The country is a banana republic with no real laws.”
“The dictator runs the country like a banana republic to get rich.”
“The citizens protested against the corrupt leaders, claiming their nation had become a banana republic controlled by foreign companies.”
“Critics argue that when a single fruit company owns all the land and pays off the police, the nation functions as a banana republic.”
“Investors are often afraid to put money into a banana republic because the laws change whenever the leader needs more cash.”
“Economic instability and systemic corruption transformed the once-prosperous nation into a classic banana republic, where the government served only the interests of a few wealthy exporters.”
first recorded 20th c.
Coined by American author O. Henry in 1901 in his short story Money Maze, set in the fictional "Anchuria", which was based on his 1896–97 stay in Honduras.
- 01
banana nose
A large, unusually long nose.
- 02
go bananas
To get angry; to go mad.
- 03
have one foot on a banana peel
To be in an unstable situation with a high risk of sudden negative change, facing difficulty, or appearing foolish.
- 04
make like a banana and split
To leave, depart.
- 05
second banana
A comedian who plays a secondary or supporting role, especially as straight man and traditionally in vaudeville or burlesque theatre.
- 06
top banana
The boss, the leader.
Last updated August 10, 2026