placeseeker

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placeseeker

A placeseeker waits outside the office door.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A disparaging term for an appointee: A "placeseeker" is a person who obtains a job, especially a government position, primarily through favoritism or political connections rather than merit or qualifications. The term carries a negative connotation, implying the individual is more interested in securing a position of profit or prestige than in performing the duties of the role.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • The reform aimed to eliminate placeseekers from the civil service and promote hiring based on skill.
    • Critics accused the administration of filling the department with loyal placeseekers.
Advanced Usage
  • The term is often used in historical or political contexts, particularly when discussing the spoils system or patronage, where government jobs are given to supporters and friends.
  • It can be used metaphorically to describe someone in any organization who seems to have gained their role through connections rather than ability.
    • In the corporate shake-up, several experienced managers were replaced by the CEO's placeseekers.
Variants and Related Words
  • Place-seeking (noun): The act of seeking a position through favoritism.
    • His career was marked by relentless place-seeking.
  • Placeman (noun): A very similar term, also disparaging, for a person appointed to a position, especially a government job, as a reward for political support.
Synonyms
  • Appointee (neutral): A person who is appointed to a job or position.
  • Placeman: A person appointed to a position, especially in government, as a reward for political support.
  • Patronage appointee: An appointee who receives their position through a patronage system.
Related Phrases
  • Spoils system: A practice where a political party, after winning an election, gives government jobs to its supporters, friends, and relatives. A "placeseeker" is a product of this system.
  • Political patronage: The dispensing of favors or rewards, such as public offices, by a political party or official.
placeseeker

A placeseeker waits outside the office door.

Noun
  1. a disparaging term for an appointee

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