turncoat
noun

- one who switches to an opposing side or party

Merriam-Webster

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ORIGIN

“Turncoat” traces its origins back to the mid-16th century and referred to persons who turned their coats inside out to hide the badge of their party or leader.

During the English Civil War in 17th century, the siege of Corfe Castle was won by Oliver Cromwell’s soldiers when they turned their coats inside out to match the colours of the Royal army.

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TURNCOAT TO "FUR COAT"

When the Soviet Union system collapsed in the 90s, many party “apparatchiks” abandoned communism in order to embrace capitalism. With the money they made, turncoats transformed into being called “fur coats.”

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SYNONYMS

back-stabber, Brutus, conspirator, defector, deserter, double-crosser, false-friend, Judas, limb of Satan, lowest of the low, rat, renegade, snake, supervillain, traitor, TURNCOAT, two-timer

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PRACTICE OWAD in an English conversation, discuss something like:

“Given its negative historical associations, take care using the word TURNCOAT.”

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THANKS to Jacky for suggesting today’s word

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HERZLICHEN DANK to all readers helping me keep OWAD alive with single or monthly donations at:

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Paul Smith