martinet
noun

- a person who demands complete obedience; a strict disciplinarian

- someone who demands that rules and orders always be obeyed, even when it is unnecessary or unreasonable to do so

Oxford Languages, The Cambridge Dictionary

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WORD ORIGIN

The term "martinet" refers to a strict disciplinarian who demands absolute adherence to rules and regulations. Its etymology traces back to a specific historical figure and military context.

The word derives from Jean Martinet, a Lieutenant Colonel and Inspector General of the French infantry under Louis XIV during the late 17th century (circa 1670s). Martinet was renowned for implementing rigorous drilling methods and enforcing strict discipline within the French army, which was considered revolutionary for its time.

Martinet's drilling system transformed the previously disorganized French forces into a more efficient and disciplined military. His techniques standardized military procedures and improved battlefield effectiveness, but his methods were characterized by their inflexibility and severity.

By the early 18th century, the term "martinet" had entered English language usage as a common noun to describe anyone who enforces discipline with a rigid, sometimes excessive adherence to rules and formalities. The first recorded use in English appeared in 1779.

The term developed negative connotations over time, generally implying an emphasis on trivial details and blind adherence to rules rather than practicality or common sense. Today, calling someone a "martinet" typically suggests they are obsessively demanding and inflexible in their enforcement of regulations.

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PERFECTLY PRAGMATIC

On the one hand is the detail-obsessed perfectionist with a mindset of exactitude; on the other is the down-to-earth pragmatist wanting to get it done quick-and-dirty.

The internal martinet demands triple-checking emails for typos while the impatient entrepreneur screams "SEND IT BEFORE WE DIE OF OLD AGE!"

The truth is that perfectionism and rapid iteration aren't enemies—they're dance partners who keep stepping on each other's toes. The master balances both: knowing when precision matters (parachute manufacturing) versus when speed wins (most everyday tasks).

Some questions we’ve learned to ask: Will anyone be really hurt by a mistake in this? Will an error teach us something valuable? (nearly always “Yes!”). Is perfectionism serving the goal or becoming the goal?

Whether we live by "Excellence in all things" or "Done beats perfect” it’s worth remembering that the tension between these two actually produces good work.

Helga & Paul Smith

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SYNONYMS

authoritarian, autocrat, by-the-book boss (manager), Captain Bligh, control freak, dictator, disciplinarian, drill instructor (sergeant), enforcer, father time, flogger, hard taskmaster,  iron fist (hand), iron-handed ruler, law enforcer, law-and-order type, martial mind, MARTINET, master sergeant, micromanager, my-way-or-the-highway type, nag, nitpicker, old school teacher, overlord, purist, regulator, rigid boss (thinker), rule book thumper, rule enforcer (lover), rules lawyer, schoolmarm, sergeant major, slave driver, stickler, strict disciplinarian (parent, teacher), taskmaster, tight ship captain, petty/time tyrant, tin god, tinpot dictator, tyrant, uptight boss, watchdog, whip cracker

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SMUGGLE OWAD into an English conversation, say something like:

"In naval literature, Captain Bligh is often portrayed as the quintessential MARTINET."

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P L E A S E   S U P P O R T   O W A D

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