Populism

The word "populism" and its "populist" cousin came to mind recently. It's an unusual word in the sense that although it is rarely used in conversation it always seems to me like it should be referring to something positive even though it is generally used as a negative.

If you look up the definition the one thing that seems common in the various definitions is that it refers to the "common people". It's like something is populist if it reflects the views of the "common people".

So what is it about the "common people" that makes populism negative? In other words how is it that populism is the enemy? Because it clearly is the enemy if you read anything about it. Donald Trump, in modern liberal writings, was brought to power by a populist movement. Even the "common people", the Trump supporters, will most likely agree to that as long as you refer to them as the common people and don't use the "populist" slur against them.

I just did an Internet search on the word and came up with this relatively brief article on the first page of my search results:

What actually is populism? And why does it have a bad reputation?

The article's title seemed right on the mark but reading it only gave me insight into one thing. The word "populist" is not in the common people's vocabulary. It is defined and used by those who do not see themselves as "common". It is defined and used by the elite. In other words, when a self-absorbed elite clique wishes to slander their enemy - the enemy of the elite being the "common people" - they use the words "populism" and "populist" to refer to their enemy.

Once you realize this, it's clear why the words have such a negative connotation. The words "populism" and "populist" are not used or defined by any "common" people. They are used and defined by people who think of themselves as being above us commoners in order to separate from and look down on common people. From a commoner's point of view the words are used by "snooty" people.