Definition

A voluntary act of kindness or political support given without obligation. In government, favors are the unspoken currency of influence, though they're technically supposed to be transparent.

Example Usage

The senator called in a favor from a colleague to fast-track the appropriations bill.

Source: Merriam-Webster via Free Dictionary API

Related Terms

Advanced

interdict

A papal power move that cuts off an entire political entity from receiving sacraments—basically the medieval Catholic Church's version of sanctions. This ecclesiastical weapon could make kings sweat by denying their subjects access to religious services, with the strategic exception of last rites. It's excommunication's bigger, scarier sibling that punishes whole populations for one person's transgressions.

🏛️ Government / Politics
Advanced

Legislative Intent

What lawmakers supposedly meant to accomplish with a law, as opposed to what it actually says. Judges invoke this constantly when the actual words are inconvenient.

🏛️ Government / Politics
Intermediate

incumbents

The current office-holders who enjoy the perks of name recognition, franking privileges, and an entire staff dedicated to making them look good. These are the politicians with 'experience' (read: connections) who statistically win re-election at rates that would make Vegas bookies jealous. The reason why 'throw the bums out' rarely results in actual bum-throwing.

🏛️ Government / Politics
Intermediate

appropriations bill

Legislation that actually allocates money for government programs, as opposed to authorization bills that merely create them. Think of it as the difference between your parents saying you can get a dog versus actually paying for the dog.

🏛️ Government / Politics
Beginner

officeholder

Someone who has successfully navigated the political gauntlet and now occupies a position of public authority. Whether elected, appointed, or simply too stubborn to leave, these individuals are the current inhabitants of government offices. They're distinguished from candidates by actually having the job rather than just wanting it desperately.

🏛️ Government / Politics
Beginner

democrat

An advocate for democratic governance and popular rule, though the definition varies wildly depending on which country and decade you ask. Basically, someone who believes in 'the people deciding things.'

🏛️ Government / Politics

Translate This Term

See “favour” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.

Try the Translator

Share This Term

Post on XShare on FacebookShare on LinkedIn

Discover a Term

Intermediate

academic affairs

The division of institutional administration responsible for everything directly related to teaching, learning, and rese...