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turncoat

English → EnglishformalInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "turncoat": A turncoat is someone who switches sides, typically abandoning their original cause, party, or team

What does "turncoat" mean?

A turncoat is someone who switches sides, typically abandoning their original cause, party, or team to join the opposition. The mental image is literally someone turning their coat inside out to reveal the colors or insignia of the enemy, effectively camouflaging themselves to fit into a new group. The term carries a heavy connotation of betrayal and disloyalty. It is rarely used to describe a neutral change of opinion; rather, it implies a calculated, often cowardly shift for personal gain or out of fear. You will most often encounter this in political discussions or historical narratives regarding defectors.

"turncoat" in conversation

Discussing a political defector

I can't believe the senator just joined the opposing party.

I can't believe the senator just joined the opposing party.

He's a total turncoat. He's only doing it to win the next election.

He's a total turncoat. He's only doing it to win the next election.

Used here to emphasize the perceived lack of integrity in switching political parties.

A sports rivalry

Are you wearing a jersey for the rival team today?

Are you wearing a jersey for the rival team today?

Hey, don't call me a turncoat! I just like their new design.

Hey, don't call me a turncoat! I just like their new design.

Shows a lighter, semi-joking use of the word in a sports context.

"turncoat" in a sentence

  1. The general was branded a turncoat after he surrendered his troops to the enemy.

    The general was branded a turncoat after he surrendered his troops to the enemy.

  2. He was once a loyal member of the union, but his fellow workers now view him as a turncoat.

    He was once a loyal member of the union, but his fellow workers now view him as a turncoat.

  3. History has a way of exposing the turncoats who abandon their principles when the political tide shifts.

    History has a way of exposing the turncoats who abandon their principles when the political tide shifts.

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