lame-duck
Political jargon used to describe a person who has lost re-election for the seat they currently hold during the remaining days of their term or a political body during the interregnum period when the party will be losing control in the following session and is expected to achieve nothing in the remainder of the session.
It was first applied to Herbert Hoover during the four-month interregnum before president-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt was sworn in as his successor. Ironically, the term lame-duck, which includes the ableist term lame was applied to Hoover, but Roosevelt was disabled.
Consider instead using descriptive language for this interval period instead of this political jargon.
Example: Since losing re-election, President Janes Johnson has been preparing their administration to leave office by instructing their team to work with President-elect Zane Zelda’s transition team. However, Johnson said they don’t want to simply be seen as a caretaker-President during this time, so they are continuing to push congress to pass healthcare legislation.
Didn’t find what you need?
Try searching the Style and Accessibility Guide in the box below
Join the Guide patrons
The Style and Accessibility Guide is free to use because people like you have become Guide patrons. Consider joining for $24.99 a year — or any amount you choose.
