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demagogia

demagoguery

noun deh-mah-GOH-hyah Rare
People & Society Politics

Origin: From Greek demagogía, from demos (people) + agein (to lead).

Usage Note

Demagogia refers to political rhetoric that appeals to popular prejudices and emotions rather than rational argument in order to gain power. The related agent noun is demagogo/a (demagogue). It is always used pejoratively. The word is a false cognate trap for learners: democracia (democracy) shares demos but has an entirely different meaning. In Spanish political commentary demagogia is a common accusation across the political spectrum.

Examples

"El discurso del candidato estaba lleno de demagogia y promesas vacías."

Natural Translation

The candidate's speech was full of demagoguery and empty promises.

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