political animal

English

Etymology

Calque of Ancient Greek πολιτικὸν ζῷον (politikòn zōîon), originally a concept taken from Aristotle at various places (History of Animals, Politics), though later as character type – possibly inherited in political families – introduced into everyday politics without philosophical background.

Noun

political animal (plural political animals)

  1. A person driven by political motives.

Translations

See also

  • zoon politikon
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