Kakistocracy, n. Government by the worst citizens. For reason which can only be speculated upon, there is no word for government by the best citizens. Aristarchy means government by the best-qualified persons, but the latter are not necessarily the best -- indeed, aristarchy could quite conceivably be a kakistocracy.
 |
| Not to be confused with a "khaki"tocracy. |
Each Tuesday, we’ll offer up a Superior Word for the edification of our Superior Readers, via the volumes of the inimitable Peter Bowler. You can purchase all or any of the four Superior Person’s Books of Words from the Godine website. Kakistocracy appears in the first.
No comments:
Post a Comment