Banana republic is a term that is often used to describe a small, politically unstable country that is heavily dependent on a single export commodity, such as bananas. The term has been used to describe countries in Latin America, Africa, and the Caribbean, and is often associated with corruption, poverty, and political instability.
Definitions
A banana republic is a country that is politically unstable, economically dependent on a single export commodity, and often characterized by corruption and authoritarian rule. The term was first used in the early 20th century to describe the countries of Central America that were heavily dependent on banana exports.
Origin
The term banana republic was first used by the American writer O. Henry in his 1904 book “Cabbages and Kings.” The book was a collection of short stories set in a fictional Central American country called Anchuria, which was ruled by a corrupt dictator and was heavily dependent on banana exports.
Meaning in different dictionaries
- Merriam-Webster: A small dependent country that is politically unstable and dominated by a wealthy elite, often dependent on a single export commodity.
- Oxford English Dictionary: A small country that is politically unstable and dependent on a single export commodity, typically bananas.
- Dictionary.com: A small, politically unstable country, especially in Central America, that is dominated by a wealthy elite, often dependent on a single export commodity, and characterized by corruption and poverty.
Associations
The term banana republic is often associated with corruption, poverty, and political instability. It is also associated with the exploitation of natural resources and the domination of wealthy elites over the working class.
Synonyms
- Puppet state.
- Client state.
- Vassal state.
- Satrapy.
Antonyms
- Developed country.
- Stable country.
- Democratic country.
- Industrialized country.
The same root words
There are no other words that share the same root words as banana republic.
Example Sentences
- The country was ruled by a corrupt dictator and was heavily dependent on banana exports, making it a classic example of a banana republic.
- The company’s exploitation of the country’s natural resources turned it into a banana republic, with the working class living in poverty while the wealthy elites prospered.
- The political instability of the banana republic made it a risky investment for foreign companies.