Punditocracy
/ˌpʌn.dɪˈtɒk.rə.si/noun
A system or society in which public opinion or political influence is dominated by pundits and commentators.
Did you know?Pundit ultimately comes from Sanskrit paṇḍita, meaning a learned person, while -ocracy comes from Greek krátos, meaning power or rule.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
paṇḍita
“A learned or educated person, especially a scholar or teacher”
Medieval India
Sanskrit/Hindi
paṇḍit
“A learned Hindu scholar or religious teacher”
17th Century
English
pundit
“A learned Indian scholar or religious authority”
Ancient Greek
Greek
-κρατία (-kratia)
“Rule, power, or government”
Late 19th Century
English
pundit
“An authoritative commentator or expert, especially in public affairs”
20th Century
English
punditocracy
“A society or political sphere dominated by pundits and media commentators”
Explore more surprising origins