crony
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents |
[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
Coined between 1655 and 1665 from Ancient Greek χρόνιος (khrónios, “perennial, long-lasting”) It is believed to have originally been Cambridge University slang.[1][2][3][4] Fr. Joaquin G. Bernas, SJ says that it was originally university slang with the meaning of "chum" and only later had an illegal connotation.[5] William Safire mentions one lexicographer who said that it was “vox academica” or college slang. He proposes that it may be related to the Ancient Greek word χρόνος (khrónos, “time”), pointing out that “long-standing” is a part of its etymology and citing the spelling “chrony” in a 1665 diary by Samuel Pepys.[6] Merriam-Webster Dictionary has also stated that "crony" may be derived from χρόνος (khrónos).[7]
[edit] Pronunciation
[edit] Noun
crony (plural cronies)
[edit] Synonyms
- See also Wikisaurus:friend
[edit] Related terms
- Preferential treatment of friends in employment: cronyism
[edit] Translations
Close friend
[edit] References
- ^ "Crony" at Dictionary.com
- ^ AskOxford: crony
- ^ Richard Reeves. NS Essay - "Friendship is the invisible thread running through society." April 19, 2004
- ^ "Cronyism: The New Sleaze." BBC News. December 23, 1998
- ^ Juan L. Mercado. "That Single Word." The Ilocos Times. September 24, 2006
- ^ William Safire. “The I’s Have It.” The New York Times. October 30, 2005
- ^ "Crony" in Merriam-Webster
