Panjandrum
/pænˈdʒændrəm/noun
A person who has or claims great authority or influence.
Did you know?Panjandrum began as a nonsense word in a 18th-century satirical performance, but its absurd sound helped it stick as a real insult for inflated authority.
Etymological Timeline
18th Century
English
panjandrum
“A made-up nonsense title used for comic effect in a satirical performance”
Late 18th Century
English
panjandrum
“A humorous term for a self-important or pretentious person”
19th Century
English
panjandrum
“A pompous official or person with exaggerated authority”
Modern English
English
panjandrum
“A person who has or claims great authority or influence”
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