Gerrymander
/ˈdʒɛr.iˌmæn.dər/noun
To manipulate the boundaries of an electoral district to favor one party over another.
Did you know?The term 'gerrymander' originated from a political cartoon depicting a district shaped like a salamander, highlighting the absurdity of electoral manipulation.
Etymological Timeline
Early 19th Century
English
Gerrymander
“A portmanteau of 'Gerry' (Governor Elbridge Gerry) and 'salamander', describing a bizarrely shaped electoral district.”
1812
English
Gerrymandering
“The practice of redrawing electoral district lines to benefit a particular political party.”
19th Century
English
Gerry
“Referring to Elbridge Gerry, who enacted the first known gerrymander in Massachusetts.”
Modern Era
English
Gerrymandering
“Continued manipulation of electoral maps for partisan advantage, persistent in contemporary political discourse.”
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