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Definition 2024


pork-barrelling

pork-barrelling

English

Noun

pork-barrelling (uncountable)

  1. (politics) The practice of giving favours or money to voters in connection with a candidate for a current or future election, in order to sway enough voters so that the candidate will win.
  2. (politics) The practice of an elected politician giving favours or money to some or all voters in the politician's electorate, or to certain organizations, as compensation or payback for support from those voters or organizations in the past.
Translations

Usage notes

  • The practice of buying or selling votes directly with money or tangible benefits is illegal in most modern democracies, but the practice often continues with general promises of "lower taxes", "better benefits", "less red tape", etc.