PoliticsAugust 23, 2026

pandering

PAN-der-ing

Definition

The act of saying or doing things merely to satisfy the desires, prejudices, or superficial expectations of a specific audience rather than offering honest or substantive solutions.

Etymology

The word stems from the name Pandarus, a character in Chaucer's 'Troilus and Criseyde' who acted as a go-between for lovers, eventually evolving to mean someone who caters to the base desires of others.

In the news

Donald Duke argues that the nation needs to move past political 'pandering debates' and instead focus on crafting substantive, well-informed policies to address poverty and economic growth.

Duke canvasses strategic policy adjustments to fuel subsidy, economy

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The Nation Newspaper

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