South African political and social slang, originally from Afrikaans, meaning narrow-minded or extremely conservative -- particularly in the context of apartheid-era Afrikaner politics. A verkramp person resists change and insists on rigid adherence to tradition. The term contrasts with 'verlig' (enlightened, liberal) and is now used more broadly for any reactionary conservative position. The contrast with 'verlig' (liberal) structured much Afrikaner political debate.
His verkramp views on immigration put him at odds with even his own party's leadership.
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A South African political term describing someone with rigidly conservative, often reactionary views — especially in the context of apartheid-era Afrikaner politics. A verkramp politician was one who opposed any liberalisation or reform, clinging hard to the old order. The word has since broadened as a general label for entrenched right-wing conservatism, applied to anyone who refuses to budge on traditional or regressive positions.
The verkramp faction in the party blocked every proposed reform, insisting the old ways were the only ways.
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(South Africa) Politically conservative.
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Regional slang from around the English-speaking world — British, Australian, Irish, Caribbean, Nigerian, Filipino, AAVE, and the hyphenated-English dialects that make the internet sound local.
See all Regional & Other slang on Slangora.