Kakistocracy
“I think people just need to say, “We hate our leaders,” and move on.”
The internet loves a good buzzword, and the latest one to go viral is kakistocracy. If you’ve been hearing it on your favorite podcasts or seeing it pop up in tweets, you’re not alone. But what does it actually mean, and why has it captured everyone’s attention?
Derived from the Greek words “kakistos” (worst) and “kratos” (rule), kakistocracy refers to a government run by the least qualified or most unscrupulous individuals. While it’s an ancient term, its sudden resurgence says a lot about the times we’re living in. From questionable leadership to chaotic decision-making, people are reaching for this highbrow insult to articulate their frustrations with modern governance. After all, saying “kakistocracy” feels a lot more satisfying than just yelling, “This sucks!”
In our latest Toonsplained video, Ben and Gary take a deep dive into why this word is trending. From its historical roots in Ancient Greece to its modern-day application as intellectual doomposting, we explore how “kakistocracy” has become the perfect shorthand for our collective discontent.
Whether you’re here to laugh, learn, or just figure out how to pronounce it, this episode is for you. Check it out and see why everyone’s obsessed with “kakistocracy”!
