PANJANDRUM Meaning and
Definition
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Panjandrum is a noun that refers to an important and influential person, often with exaggerated self-importance or pompousness. This term is typically used in a satirical or humorous context to describe someone who holds a high-ranking position or has considerable authority, but may be perceived as arrogant or self-important.
Originally derived from a 1755 ballad by Samuel Foote, the word panjandrum entered the English language as a whimsical label for someone of great significance or authority. It gained widespread popularity through a World War II incident that involved a fictional military vehicle named "The Great Panjandrum." This comically impractical device consisted of spinning wheels loaded with explosives, aptly capturing the sense of absurdity and grandiosity often associated with the term.
The term panjandrum is most commonly used metaphorically to mock those who wield power but lack the true competence or substance to justify their positions. It emphasizes the pomp and pretentiousness often associated with individuals who excessively flaunt their authority or status. The use of panjandrum typically connotes a sense of irony, derision, or ridicule, providing a colorful descriptor for those who hold positions of power but exhibit an inflated sense of self-worth or exaggerated self-importance.
Overall, panjandrum serves as a witty and humorous term to highlight the perceived pomposity and self-aggrandizement of influential individuals, providing a playful way to critique and satirize those who assert their power without humility or competence.
Common Misspellings for PANJANDRUM
- oanjandrum
- lanjandrum
- -anjandrum
- 0anjandrum
- pznjandrum
- psnjandrum
- pwnjandrum
- pqnjandrum
- pabjandrum
- pamjandrum
- pajjandrum
- pahjandrum
- panhandrum
- pannandrum
- panmandrum
- pankandrum
- paniandrum
- panuandrum
- panjzndrum
Etymology of PANJANDRUM
The term "panjandrum" is often used to refer to an important or influential person with exaggerated authority. However, it originates from a nonsensical phrase created in a satirical poem by Samuel Foote in 1755. The full line was "So she went into the garden to cut a cabbage-leaf to make an apple-pie; and at the same time a great she-bear, coming up the street, pops its head into the shop. 'What! No soap?' So he died, and she very imprudently married the Barber: and there were present the Picninnies, and the Joblillies, and the Garyulies, and the Grand Panjandrum himself, with the little round button at top, and they all fell to playing the game of catch-as-catch-can, till the gunpowder ran out at the heels of their boots".
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