Definition

Proper noun: * A historical political organization: Tammany Hall was the name commonly used for the Democratic Party political machine that dominated New York City politics from the late 18th century into the mid-20th century. It is primarily remembered for its pervasive system of patronage, corruption, and bossism, where political power was maintained through the exchange of favors, jobs, and services for votes and loyalty.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The history of New York City cannot be told without discussing the influence of Tammany Hall.
  • Reformers fought for decades to dismantle the corrupt power of Tammany Hall.
  • The term "Tammany Hall" is often used as a synonym for political graft and machine politics.

Advanced Usage

• As a metaphor: The phrase "Tammany Hall" is frequently used in modern political discourse as a metaphor for any entrenched, corrupt political organization or system.
  • Critics accused the administration of running the city like a modern Tammany Hall.

Variants and Related Words

• Tammany (noun): A shortened, informal form used to refer to Tammany Hall or its practices.
  • The power of Tammany was finally broken in the mid-20th century.
• Tammanyite (noun, historical): A member or supporter of Tammany Hall.
• Tammanyism (noun): The practices and policies characteristic of Tammany Hall.

Synonyms

• Political machine
• Party machine
• (The) Ring (historical New York context)

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Tammany Hall tactics": Refers to strategies involving corruption, patronage, and strong-arm political control.
  • The candidate was accused of using old Tammany Hall tactics to secure the nomination.

Noun

1. a political organization within the Democratic Party in New York City (late 1800's and early 1900's) seeking political control by corruption and bossism