carpetbagger

Meaning

1. (US, offensive) A migrant from the Northern to the Southern States after the American Civil War of 1861–5, especially one who went South to gain political influence.
2. (broadly, derogatory) One who comes to a place or organisation with which they have no previous connection with the sole or primary aim of personal gain, especially political or financial gain.

Synonyms

carpet-bagger

fortune hunter

carpetbagging

Translations

candidato forasteiro

politischer Abenteurer

ψευτοπολιτικός

parachutiste

profittatore politico

pára-quedista

paraquedista

politiquero

Schwindler

carpetbagger

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈkɑɹpɪtˌbæɡɚ/

Etymology

From carpetbag + -er, because many carried their belongings in cheap luggage made from carpet fabric.