South African political and social slang, originally from Afrikaans, meaning narrow-minded or extremely conservative -- particularly in the context of apartheid-era Afrikaner politics.
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.
"verkramp" means: Politically conservative.. This is a fairly neutral word with no inherent risk attached. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than something dangerous. If your child uses it, context will usually make the meaning clear. A brief, curious question about where they heard it is generally enough to know whether to follow up.
"verkramp" means: Politically conservative.. Register: neutral, standard English, usable in most everyday contexts. A common non-native mistake is to use the word in the wrong register, or to assume one fixed meaning when it is actually polysemous; always check the surrounding register and the audience before producing it yourself. In formal writing, prefer a neutral synonym or a short descriptive phrase, and use this word only when you have heard or read it being used naturally in a comparable context.
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