PoliticsJuly 17, 2026
chicanery
ʃɪˈkeɪnəri
Definition
Deceptive practices, trickery, or dishonest maneuvering, especially when used to manipulate a system or deceive the public.
Etymology
Derived from the French word 'chicaner,' meaning to quibble or pettifog, which likely originated from the Middle French 'chique' (a trifle or bit). It entered English in the late 17th century to describe the use of legalistic trickery or subterfuge.
In the news
In this article, Trump presents the 2020 election process as a form of chicanery, suggesting that systemic deceit and fraud were used to manipulate the results. The author notes that framing the electoral process this way risks convincing voters that participating in elections is a futile 'sucker’s game.'
5 Takeaways From Trump’s Speech on Elections
Read the full article ↗Time Magazine