Question
Updated on
30 Nov 2022
- Simplified Chinese (China)
-
English (US)
Question about United States
Why do you feel compelled to use obviously loaded terms like "kingpin" and "autocrat" as if people can't be trusted to evaluate the character of the leadership of U.S. adversaries without these nudges?
I want to know the further meaning of the word kingpin ,and whether it is pejorative?
Why do you feel compelled to use obviously loaded terms like "kingpin" and "autocrat" as if people can't be trusted to evaluate the character of the leadership of U.S. adversaries without these nudges?
I want to know the further meaning of the word kingpin ,and whether it is pejorative?
I want to know the further meaning of the word kingpin ,and whether it is pejorative?
Answers
30 Nov 2022
Featured answer
- Country or region United States
"Kingpin" has the connotation of an all-powerful leader, like a King, but not in the sense of government. It's more associated with Mafia and gangsters, such as Mob Bosses or Capos.
It's slightly pejorative, but not quite as pejorative as say, Despot or Tyrant.
There are many similar terms with only small differences, like Mogul, Head Honcho, Top Banana, Bigwig, Fat Cat, Aristocrat, etc. We use these terms for some government officials, but also anyone with a lot of power in a certain business or trade, like CEOs, Executives, Union Leaders, etc
A great example is in the Spider-Man comic books. There is a villain whose name is Kingpin. He fits the stereotypes of the word "kingpin" perfectly. He is rich, intimidating, big and strong, and runs all the organized crime in the city.
Read more comments
- Country or region United States
"Kingpin" has the connotation of an all-powerful leader, like a King, but not in the sense of government. It's more associated with Mafia and gangsters, such as Mob Bosses or Capos.
It's slightly pejorative, but not quite as pejorative as say, Despot or Tyrant.
There are many similar terms with only small differences, like Mogul, Head Honcho, Top Banana, Bigwig, Fat Cat, Aristocrat, etc. We use these terms for some government officials, but also anyone with a lot of power in a certain business or trade, like CEOs, Executives, Union Leaders, etc
A great example is in the Spider-Man comic books. There is a villain whose name is Kingpin. He fits the stereotypes of the word "kingpin" perfectly. He is rich, intimidating, big and strong, and runs all the organized crime in the city.
- Country or region China
Thank you very much for answering my question at length!
- Country or region United States
"Kingpin" is almost always used in reference to a leader of organized crime.

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