The Definition Of A Neoliberal

Let’s clear up an oft-(mis)used word; back to the dictionary!

Photo by Beyond My Ken

neoliberal

noun | neo·lib·er·al | nē-ō-ˈli-b(ə-)rəl

The Definition Of A Libertarian

Definition of NEOLIBERAL

1. a person who, after using a ladder, turns it into rustic, decorative art for the backyard, never thinking others might also find the ladder useful
2. a fan of the way the phrase “social justice” bounces off the bookshelves at cocktail receptions in brownstone parlors or the way it pairs with eggs Florentine at brunch
3. a 90s nostalgic; when not listening to Taylor Swift or All Songs Considered, claims to miss drinking cans of Milwaukee’s Best while listening to Built To Spill cassettes in the woods
4. 1. a person who shuns the use of the word “bootstraps” but definitely thinks luck and social architecture has nothing at all to do with the 60-inch Viking side-by-side refrigerator/freezer combo in the granite-topped kitchen 2. one belonging to a particular political party ostensibly driven by a sense of economic and social justice but whose upper reaches and main benefactors are populated by people very concerned about their 60-inch Viking side-by-side refrigerator/freezer combos for those few times a year they cook for their friends who also prize 60-inch Viking side-by-side refrigerator/freezer combos

• neoliberal adjective
• neoliberalism noun | nē-ō-ˈli-b(ə-)rə-ˌli-zəm

Battle Of Trenton, 2017

Dane A. Wisher is based in Brooklyn.