Klansman
/'klʌksə/ Cách viết khác : (klansman) /'klænzmən/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A member of the Ku Klux Klan, a white supremacist hate group in the United States.
Usage
The term "klansman" is used to specifically identify a male member of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK). It is a highly specific and historically charged term. Its usage is almost exclusively in historical, sociological, or journalistic contexts discussing the KKK and its activities.
Examples
- Historical records identified him as a klansman who participated in the rally.
- The journalist interviewed a former klansman about his reasons for leaving the organization.
- During the trial, several witnesses testified that the defendant was a known klansman.
Advanced Usage
- The term is inherently gendered ("-man"). The female equivalent is "klanswoman," and the gender-neutral or plural term is often simply "Klan member(s)."
- It functions as a proper noun derivative and is often capitalized when referring directly to membership: . However, the lowercase form is also widely accepted.
Variants and Related Words
- Klanswoman (noun): A female member of the Ku Klux Klan.
- Klan member (noun): A more general, gender-neutral term for a member of the Ku Klux Klan.
- Ku Klux Klan (KKK) (proper noun): The name of the organization itself.
Synonyms
- Klan member: The most direct synonym.
- White supremacist: A broader term describing the ideology, not specific KKK membership.
Notes on Meaning and Context
- The word carries strong negative connotations due to the KKK's history of racism, violence, and terrorism.
- It is not a term used in casual conversation and is primarily found in academic, legal, or historical discourse.
- Using the term accurately implies affiliation with the specific organization, the Ku Klux Klan, not just adherence to similar extremist views.
Noun
- a member of the Ku Klux Klan