The spelling of "fellow traveller" may seem straightforward, but the two Ls in "fellow" often cause confusion. The correct pronunciation is /ˈfɛl.əʊ ˈtræv.əl.ər/. The first syllable, "fel", has a short "e" sound, as in "tell". The stressed syllable "low" has a long "o" sound, as in "go". The word "traveller" is spelled with two Ls in British English, but with one L in American English. "Fellow traveller" typically refers to someone who supports a political ideology but is not an official member of the associated group.
The term "fellow traveler" refers to an individual who sympathizes, supports, or actively aligns themselves with a particular ideological or political movement, without being an official member or directly involved in it. A fellow traveler shares similar beliefs, principles, or goals with a particular group but does not hold an official affiliation or membership.
Originating during the mid-20th century, particularly in the context of communism and Cold War politics, the term was often used to describe individuals who were not official members of the Communist Party but displayed a sympathetic attitude towards its aims. Fellow travelers were typically seen as supporters, advocates, or allies of a communist ideology, without actively engaging in its organizational structure or activities.
In a broader sense, the term can be applied to any political, social, or cultural movement, where individuals align themselves with a particular group or cause without formal membership. Fellow travelers often share common values, goals, or ideals and may actively promote or endorse the movement's ideas, actions, or initiatives.
It is important to note that the term "fellow traveler" may have different connotations depending on the context in which it is used. While it generally implies an affinity or sympathy towards a particular movement, it can also be used negatively to suggest that someone is passively or indiscriminately supporting a questionable or controversial cause without fully understanding its implications or consequences.
The term "fellow traveller" has its origins in the early 20th century, specifically during the rise of the Communist movement in Russia. It is a translation of the Russian term "dorozhnik", which literally means "one who travels the same road".
In the Soviet context, a "fellow traveller" referred to someone who sympathized with or supported the ideas and goals of the Communist Party but was not an official member. These individuals were often intellectuals, artists, writers, or activists who were aligned with the Communist cause but did not want to fully commit to the party structure.
The term gained international recognition during the Cold War era, particularly in Western countries, where it was used to describe individuals who sympathized with or supported the aims of the Soviet Union and its communist ideology without necessarily being card-carrying members of the Communist Party.