populist

adj. describing a style of politics that claims to support ordinary people against a powerful or wealthy group.

adj. relating to a political approach that purports to represent the interests of the common people in opposition to a perceived elite.

“The candidate used populist language to win the support of workers who felt ignored by the government.”

“The rise of populist movements across the continent has challenged the traditional dominance of centrist political parties.”

Academic

adj. describing an idea or policy that is chosen only because it will be popular with many people, even if it is not a good plan.

adj. denoting policies or rhetoric designed to gain popular support by appealing to the prejudices or immediate desires of the electorate.

“The mayor's populist promise to cut all taxes was popular but lacked a clear budget plan.”

“Critics dismissed the proposed legislation as a populist gesture intended to distract from the administration's failing economic record.”

Formal

n. a person, especially a politician, who claims to represent the interests of ordinary people.

n. an adherent or advocate of populism; a politician who frames their platform as a struggle for the common citizen against an establishment.

“As a populist, he spent his career attacking the big banks and the media.”

“The senator was often labelled a populist for his frequent attacks on the corporate interests that funded his opponents.”

Academic